There are many things in life that can cause inflammation; however, stress seems to be the leading contributor. It comes as no surprise that we all tend to be more stressed these days. With worries surrounding a global health crisis, political turmoil, social unrest, an unstable economy, and the well-being of loved ones, stress is at a new all-time high.
What’s worse is stress is a double edged sword: it feels terrible and it is dangerous to your overall well-being. When you’re under stress, your body releases a hormone known as cortisol, which causes an inflammatory response in the body. If the stress response becomes chronic, then you are left dealing with chronic inflammation, which only makes your situation worse.
The good news is there are certain steps you can take to combat stress, reduce inflammation, and live a healthier lifestyle.
Eat Healthy
Consuming a nutritious diet is important for your immune system, and you need a strong immune system in order to fight off stress. An anti-inflammatory, plant-based diet can help boost your immune system in several ways.
Essentially, it provides the nutrients your body needs to combat stress and inflammation. More specifically, it contains a load of antioxidants, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber.
Consume Supplements
There are various supplements that can help you ward off stress and inflammation. For example, fish oil has been proven to reduce inflammatory markers, such as CRP, TNF-alpha and IL-6. Another top-notch supplement is turmeric. Turmeric acts as an antioxidant, which helps to fight off the negative impacts of stress.
Exercise
Exercise is a great way to feel better physically, mentally, emotionally, and even spiritually. Exercise helps to release stress and tension, achieve mental clarity, and keep the body feeling at its best. Overall, exercise will help you get rid of unwanted stress, promote peak performance, and renew your zest for life.
Stay Hydrated
It is vital that you stay hydrated throughout the day. In fact, the Mayo Clinic recommends 15.5 cups of water per day for men and 11.5 cups for women. By drinking your recommended daily intake of water you hydrate the cells in your body, nurture your skin, and reduce stress by lowering stress hormones.
Sleep More
Sleep is essential for feeling relaxed and refreshed. Unfortunately, stress can have a severely negative impact on your sleep. Your body needs 7-9 hours of quality sleep in order to recover and recharge. Stress can interrupt your sleep pattern and lead to a serious lack of sleep. This causes you to feel tired, irritable, and mentally foggy. By finding ways to calm your mind and body, you enable yourself to enter into a peaceful rest, which leaves you feeling fit, mentally clear, and stress-free.
Channel Your Mind
What you do with your body is just as important as what you put into it. Journaling, speaking with a professional or someone you trust, meditating, reading, listening to music, and prayer are all great tools you can use to center your resolve and lower your stress.
Breathe
Deep breathing can have positive effects on stress. Many times, people underestimate the power of deep breathing, but it is very effective. There are several deep breathing exercises that are designed to help you breathe better and reduce stress.
Stress can be detrimental to your overall health and wellness, but you’re not a helpless victim in the fight. Thankfully, you have a multitude of tools and strategies to aid you on your quest for a healthier and happier life.
Sources:
Eat This, Not That!
Aly Walansky
October 17, 2021
Health, Wellness, & Restoration 