"Stress Busting"

“Stress Busting” White ©2010

When we’re threatened or challenged, we fight or flee. Our adrenal glands respond by releasing the stress hormone, cortisol into our system. For a short while, cortisol boosts our energy and supports our immune system. More stress and its output increases. Too much isn’t helpful and works against us.

When we’re more stressed out, out immune function takes a beating. It stops fighting as well as before and we become more susceptible to disease.

Stress relief techniques can help restore our normal balance and stabilize our immune function. The relaxation response gets activated in us and we feel better. I’ve include some activities you can use immediately that do just that. Choose the ones that you’re drawn to and check out their effect. 

There are some foods that are a must. Add them to your diet, when you’re experiencing high stress. High in folic acid and B vitamins, they’ll steady your mood by helping with the production of serotonin in your body. As a natural mood enhancer, you’ll feel better fast.

Here are some relaxation foods you can try to help in those moments of high stress:

Foods for Relaxation:

Asparagus: folic acid for your mood

Milk & Cottage Cheese: High in antioxidants and vitamins B2 and B12, as well as protein and calcium.

Fruit: High in antioxidants & vitamin C such as oranges and blueberries.

Almonds A good source of Vitamin B2 and E, as well as magnesium and zinc, almonds are high in the healthy unsaturated fat

 Tuna: high in stress-fighting vitamins B6 and B12.

Whole Grain Cereal: B vitamins and folic acid to reduce stress.

More Stress Busting Techniques:
Everyone is different. What works for you to release stress can produce more stress in someone else. Music is a great example of this. Some people listen to rock and rap to relax. For others, that type of music has the opposite effect. It’s jarring to their ears and the nervous system.

Here are some stress relievers. Try out the ones that you’re drawn to and find out if they are right for you. They can help to lighten you up.

Instant Stress relievers:

• Massage
• Aromatherapy
• Have fun: do something you enjoy
• Talk it over with someone who cares
• Dancing
• Stretching
• Time in Nature and Solitude
• View things more positively
• Faith
• Wear brighter and lighter colors

Personalized life, leadership and business coaching is easy and confidential in person or by phone. Contact me to enhance your life, relationships and business.

Contact me for more information or visit www.drjoannewhite.com.