6 Ways to Break Free of Stress
1. Drink water.
Staying well-hydrated is essential and makes a big difference.
Need help drinking enough water daily? Our 32 oz hydration jar is the perfect solution – filling it twice daily will ensure that you consume 8 cups of water (64 oz) throughout the day.
To stay well-hydrated, aim to consume half an ounce of water for each pound that you weigh. For example, if you weigh 128 lbs, that would be 64 oz of water daily.
2. Breathe.
Inhale, exhale. Mindfully and deeply. When we breathe deeply, we are signalling to our brain and body that it is safe to relax – thereby helping our heart rate to slow and nervous system to relax.
3. Count your blessings.
Think of at least three things you’re grateful for (or more). Writing down what you are grateful for in a gratitude journal can also be highly beneficial!
Then, think Big Picture. You’re alive, first and foremost. Any problem that you are faced with is not what your life is about. Allow yourself to step out of the problem for a moment to gain perspective. View planet Earth as really small, like you’re seeing it from space. Now step into the problem again trying to see it from a different perspective. Can it be solved? Will this problem matter 5 years from now? While it may not be easy to solve - this problem likely has an attainable solution.
4. Nourish well.
Fuelling your body and mind with the right energy sources is important. Our bodies and minds can't run on empty. Quality, whole foods will support you to be the best quality, whole you.
"Our brain relies on numerous key nutrients in order to function optimally. When you eat a wide variety of fresh, whole foods, you help to ensure your brain has what it needs to keep anxiety bay. But on the flip side, if you’re depleted in any of these key nutrients, you put yourself at a much higher risk of anxiety creeping in." - Meghan De Jong, Registered Holistic Nutritionist
Further, your gut microbiome is extremely important for supporting healthy digestion and a strong immune system. Sometimes referred to as the “second brain”, your gut microbiota are also able to produce neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters can alter your biochemistry, impacting mood, and causing stress and anxiety responses.
Consuming fiber rich foods such as fruits and vegetables, flax seeds, chia seeds, beans and pulses is a great way to support a healthy microbiome. Adults need 25-38 g of fiber per day (females 25 g; males 38 g), but our actual intake is typically much lower - usually around 15-20 g daily! Fuel up with fiber with our delicious superfood mix, Daily Nourish!
5. Go outside.
Whether it’s just for a few minutes: a walk, a hike, or a sit in the park – nature is therapeutic. Taking a walk in a forested park or treed area decreases levels of stress and depression, as shown in this recent study.
Bonus points if you can take some organic bites along with you for a snack while you enjoy your time outside!
6. Read.
Whether it's for 20-30 minutes, or just flipping to a random page in a random book and reading a paragraph, page or chapter, it'll take your mind off whatever you're stressed about and the words on the page will give you something different to think about!
What are some simple daily routines that you like to use to manage stress? Share with us in the comments!
