How to Manage Stress Better this Year

There’s no questioning it; 2020 was an extremely stressful year for all of us. Even in normal or, dare we say it, ‘precedented’, times, changes in routine, worries about work and family dramas can all get on top of us and leave us feeling under pressure, stressed and overwhelmed.

However, by knowing what action you can take to keep your stress levels in check, you can manage yours much better in 2021. Here’s to a calmer, more relaxed year!

Eat Stress-Busting Foods

Your diet and your stress levels can be closely related, which means that nourishing your body in the right way and eating foods known for their stress-busting properties can be a great first step to managing your stress levels better.

For some of us, there’s the temptation to comfort eat in times of stress, but eating three balanced meals a day at regular intervals will be a much better way to manage your mood.

Foods that may have stress-busting properties include:

• Oily fish, such as tuna, salmon and mackerel, which are a good source of omega-3 essential fatty acids, believed to have an effect on the mood.
• Chocolate (in moderation). Eating chocolate can help to release endorphins around your body - these are also known as ‘happy hormones’ due to their positive effect on the mood
• Strawberries - another tasty treat and sweet tooth satisfier known to trigger the release of endorphins
• Brazil nuts, a great source of selenium, which is also believed to have a positive impact on the mood

Exercise Your Mind & Body

Physical exercise is one of the most effective ways of managing stress. Increasing your heart rate can help to relieve your body and mind of the stress you’ve been carrying around.

Working out doesn’t always mean intense exercise - going for a short walk or even just regularly moving your body can help keep you relaxed. You could try something like yoga, which is a great way to stretch your body while also clearing your mind.

When you exercise, your blood moves around your body quicker, releasing endorphins that can help to improve your overall mood.

If you’re struggling to get motivated, we recommend trying Garden of Life’s Sport Organic Plant-Based Energy Plus Focus formula 20 minutes before you work out.

This formula is designed to help increase your energy levels so you can give your workout your all, as well as containing 220mcg of vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. It also provides 85mg of caffeine per serving.

Get Enough Sleep

Lack of sleep can make you feel even more stressed, leaving you tossing and turning, creating a vicious cycle.

It’s recommended that adults get 7-9 hours sleep a night, which can have a positive effect on your stress levels. If you’re struggling to nod off, getting into a bedtime routine can help.

Try turning your TV off earlier, put your phone out of sight and dim the lights; give yourself a tech-free hour to wind down and relax before sleeping and see if you notice a difference.

For a little extra sleep support, try the Herbal Night Tablets from Garden of Life.

Both of these products contain an extract of organic lemon balm to help you prepare for a good night’s sleep. They also provide valerian, passionflower and chamomile.

Be Kind to Yourself

Putting too much pressure on yourself is only likely to set you up for a stressful day. Try to keep things in perspective and remember that you can only do so much at a time.

There has to be a balance between your daily responsibilities and your own self-care. Remember to make time for yourself every day to do at least one thing that you genuinely enjoy.

Try taking up yoga, meditation or mindfulness, as these activities allow your body and mind to become one and relax, spend some time with a good book or some guilty pleasure viewing or treat yourself to a pamper - these are all good first steps to better self-care.

If you still feel like you’re struggling to manage your stress levels, you might like to try the Organics Herbal Stress Balance Tablets from Garden of Life.

These tablets may help in improving your body’s resistance to stress and maintaining your emotional balance, thanks to the ashwagandha and rhodiola extracts.

Create a self-care bundle for your individual needs with Every Health.