6 Tips to Feel Good & Reduce Stress
It's easy to say ‘reduce your stress level!’ We’re all busy enough as it is, so ‘the how’ of reducing stress can sometimes be a challenge, especially as some level of stress and cortisol circulating in our bodies is a good thing!
So we asked the experts to give us the lowdown on practices they recommend for a more balanced mind and body.
MOVE MORE, PRIORITISE SLEEP
“Physical activity can reduce stress hormones and increase the production of our brain’s feel-good chemicals, called endorphins. Physical activity doesn’t necessarily have to be the traditional exercise we think of, it can be anything from walking to dancing. Find what you enjoy and what works for you.”
“Sleep is vital for your health and managing stress. Poor sleep can impact your concentration, mood, and energy levels and in the long term has been shown to increase the risk of some chronic health conditions. The average adult is recommended to get 7 to 9 hours of good quality sleep. Try to set a routine of going to bed and waking up at the same time each day and reduce anything that causes stress and increased stimulation such as caffeine.”
Dr Tosin Ajayi-Sotubo - NHS and private GP
MORE COMMUNITY, LESS CONTENT
“Do something that involves other people, which allows you to better mitigate stress as you’re in it together. For example, if you’re someone who loves reading, then read, but also find a book club. If you love running, keep running and find a running club, so you’re with others.”
“We live in a time where we are consuming so much information and we’re not recognising the quality of what we are consuming. One thing that would be beneficial is for us to reduce the amount that we consume and find ways to be in the world and bring us back to basics.”
Alex Holmes - Psychotherapist and Author
KEEP BLOOD GLUCOSE STEADY
“When we are stressed our blood glucose can become imbalanced and this can lead to sugar cravings, fatigue, and mood dips. Avoid sugary foods that exacerbate stress, and spike glucose. Include proteins like nuts, seeds, avocado, meat, fish or eggs or tofu, and fibre-rich foods such as vegetables, fruits and beans. Healthy fats found in nuts, olive oil and cold-water oily fish, to meals to help to keep blood glucose steady. Support your nervous system by including plenty of nutrients that support your body during stressful times such as B vitamins, vitamin C and Magnesium - and many of these you can find in wholegrains, fresh vegetables and legumes”
Lola Ross - Registered Nutritionist, Hormone and Women’s Health Expert
BE MINDFUL
“Having a more mindful approach to our lives can bring us back into the present moment, instead of focusing on the worries of the past and fears of the future. Meditation and breathwork are beneficial for reducing stress, but mindfulness can also look like going for a walk in nature and counting your breaths as you go or noticing everything you can see around you. It can also include going to an art gallery and reflecting on the pieces and how they make you feel.”
Giselle La Pompe-Moore - Author, Artist and Slow-Living Advocate
Image: Nadia Meli