Stress is a natural reaction as a response for our bodies to protect us from threats. The sympathetic and parasympathetic system work together to create the fight-or-flight reaction. Hormones are released to make your heart beat faster, blood vessels constrict, and digestion slows so your body can react quickly. When you’re in danger, your mind and body take over to do what it has to protect itself. Once you’re out of danger, your body goes back to its normal state. The longer stress lasts, the worse it can become for your mind and your body, and then it is considered chronic. Chronic stress can create disease and many other issues that can stop you from living the full life you deserve.  

5 Simple Ways To Reduce Stress

1. EAT A WELL BALANCED DIET: Eating whole foods in proper proportions restores balance. Your gut and your brain are constantly communicating with each other so by eating a healthy diet your brain will feel less stressed.
2. MOVING YOUR BODY: When you move your body, it releases endorphins (the feel good hormones). It also stimulates your lymphatic system to help flush out toxins
3. SLEEP: Your body repairs itself while you sleep. When you get stressed, you can’t sleep, thus not allowing you to handle that stress and that leads to more stress. Stressed yet? A good 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night are recommended.
4. BREATH: This may sound silly, yet when you are stressed out, you breathe faster. Stop and take a deep breath, and visualize the oxygen reaching every cell, organ, and muscle. Your muscles need oxygen to function normally.
5. BE PRESENT: Focus on the details: tastes, smells, colors, and textures of things. When you stay present and focus on the moment, the tension will melt away

These are 5 simple things you can do every day without even thinking about it. You will find out just how easy they are to follow, and you will notice a big change in the way you handle stress.  Try it for yourself. No effort needed. 

If you want to learn more about these tips, consider checking out our Holistic Nutrition, Yoga, and Holistic Wellness programs.