Dangerous stress levels in today’s culture are believed to account for rising cases of depression, cancer, insomnia, heart disease, and even obesity.
Sometimes you wonder what came first? The chicken or the egg? Are you stressed and therefore unable to practice proper self care? Or has your inability to prioritize your own needs lead you down the road to high stress levels? Either way, the answer is clear. To live a healthier life, and improve your overall mood and outlook, you must take charge and break the toxic stress cycle.
Here are some tips for taking the first step to healthier low stress way of life:
1. Daily Exercise
Whether you’re preparing for a goal driven marathon or taking a leisurely walk, exercise is an important part of lowering stress levels in the body. This is partly to do with the improved circulation and the adrenaline rush from getting your heart pumping. If you’re ramping up your exercise routine, Rhodiola Rosea Extract supplies excellent support. Rhodiola helps provide the foundation for strong energy levels without feeling like a jittery stimulant. And for your nighttime cool down we recommend Magnesium Taurate. Magnesium Taurate helps with relaxation, healthy sleep and cardiovascular health.
2. Get Adequate Sleep
I CAN’T SLEEP! Sleep is an essential practice and yet seems to be one of the functions most disturbed by stress. The pressures of day to day life are constant, and switching from nervous chaos to peaceful restful sleep can be tricky. Sleep does more for the body than just renewing, restoring and rejuvenating. It has also been known to lower cortisol levels, the stress hormone. A relaxing supplement such as Apigenin could be the solution. Apigenin inhibits the formation of cortisol, supports sleep quality without sedation and all while supporting healthy stress levels. Gaba and Kava Kava Extract are packed with stress reducing benefits too. Both supplements are believed to improve sleep quality and promote healthy stress levels. Add Magnesium L-Threonate to promote healthy sleep and mood in addition to supporting PMS relief, so you can finally get some much needed beauty rest.
3. Eat healthy
When life is stressful, it is important to refuel. However, pressure to stay focused at the task at hand can stop us from making the best diet choices. As our day to day demands grow, so do our appetites for salty and sugary foods. But these foods can lead to cardiovascular issues and obesity, especially when indulged in excess. Saffron extract reduces your appetite and helps maintain a healthy weight. Added bonus? It also supports optimal mood. And to get your system back on track, Magnesium Chloride supports healthy heart and nerve health. Along with promoting healthy sleep habits, to help you find your zen.
4. Reflect and Focus on Happy Memories
When life gets stressful, it’s easy to feel down on yourself with feelings of anger, resentment, regret and sadness. This environment is not only miserable, but it can be detrimental to your health and well being. This response is a reminder that our mental health and well being is interchangeably connected to our physical well being. Improving one, is mutually beneficial for both. Sometimes taking a break and thinking a happy thought is just the mood refresher your body needs to get through the day. Playing your favorite song, scrolling pictures of loved ones, or petting your fur baby are just a few quick ideas. These actions help ground you in the moment and remind you that even when life is tough, there is still so much beauty and so many happy times to reflect on. Baco Mind and Bacopa extract are both unique in that they can actually help with memory formation and cognitive function as well as helping manage stress. Phosphatidyl Serine improves processing speed, memory processing, along with focus and attention, while also supporting brain health and function. So you can recall every last detail of your most important milestones. And Magnesium L - Threonate supports memory and cognitive function in addition to improving healthy sleep habits. Making it an excellent end of day choice for drifting away to your happy place.
5. Feel the Love
Connecting with a loved one releases the “love hormone” oxytocin. This powerful reaction has been known to improve social responses and lower stress and anxiety within the body. Looking for a way to kick start your libido? Maca Root supports a healthy mood and improves energy levels. It is also found to support a healthy libido. Mucuna Pruriens is another helpful supplement. Mucuna Pruriens contains high levels of L-DOPA, the precursor to Dopamine AKA the “happy hormone”. This supports healthy cortisol levels in men which helps to manage stress and to add a little extra romance after a long day.
6. Deep Breathing - Work/Life balance
Suggesting someone relax when they are experiencing stress seems like great advice, but it can sometimes have the opposite effect. Relaxing isn’t something you can “try” to do, but rather a result of specific acts of self care and prioritizing work life balance. If that means you have to schedule yoga once a week, or set alarms for deep breathing exercises throughout the day, or enjoy a cup of tea before bed, take the time to help yourself decompress and be mindful of your thoughts through meditation. For an added benefit, try L-Theanine before you meditate. L-Theanine promotes relaxation without sedation, improves sleep quality and healthy stress levels.
7. Show gratitude
When you’re feeling stressed it’s easy to become preoccupied with your own troubles. That is why, in times like these you must challenge yourself to embrace the yins and yangs of life. Start a journal and write down your feelings. Call a friend or family member and ask how they’re doing. Compliment a co-worker. Or help someone in need. And most importantly, when you can’t handle it all, ask for help! There is nothing wrong with knowing your limitations and setting boundaries accordingly. Finding a new routine to include supplements that can help you through this difficult time, is a form of self care. One of these useful nutrients could be the key to unlocking positive growth and development.
