Are you this person? You’ve tried deep breathing, yoga, bubble baths, even knitting—but nothing seems to help you manage the stress in your life. More often than not you feel frazzled and overwhelmed, and it’s starting to take a toll on your well-being. If this sounds familiar, it’s time to take a step back and consider some bigger-picture physical and psychological approaches to better handling stress. Here are four ways to tackle tension that will help you achieve a healthier, calmer life.
1. Eat regularly. When you have too much to do, and too little time to get it all done, your body releases stress hormones to help you cope. One stress hormone, cortisol, helps your body to meet the demands of the day. Some cortisol is actually good for you because it helps keep your energy levels up and blood sugar stabilized. Eating every three hours also helps keep blood sugar and cortisol levels on an even keel. If you starve yourself, excess cortisol may be released to compensate for low blood sugar. In turn, you’ll suffer from more stressful feelings in your body.
2. Supplement to support adrenal health. Your adrenal glands are important for managing stress because they play a part in the production of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. To help support this area of health, you can try taking a supplement with nutrients and herbs that naturally support your body’s adrenal function, such as Vitacost Adrenal Stress-Combat. This formula contains contains adrenal polypeptide fractions, plus B vitamins, the amino acid L-tyrosine and herbs all in one.*
3. Try stress-support supplements. Some vitamins, minerals and herbs can help your body better cope with stress. For example, Rhodiola rosea, an known adaptogen an antioxidant, helps maintain balance in the body during a variety of physical stresses, while also providing support for fatigue and healthy energy levels. Magnesium is another nutrient to consider. It plays a part in the contraction and relaxation of muscles, while also assisting with the body’s energy production process. If your're not getting enough magnesium-rich foods through diet, you can take a magnesium supplement. Or, try sipping a magnesium drink to support healthy levels of this important mineral in your body.*
4. Be present in the moment. Your mental and emotional health is just as important as physical health when it comes to coping with overwhelm in your life. One way to shift out of stress mode is to drop into the now. When you’re feeling frazzled, do your best to hit the “pause button” and take note of your physical and emotional state. Bring your awareness into your breath, and breathe deeply at least 10 times. This can be a great way to take control of chaos and bring yourself to a calmer place.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
