Everyday life during normal circumstances brings about some amount of stress, but today’s challenges almost ensure that all of us will face coping with stress on a very regular basis for the foreseeable future. Since stress can reduce our immune function and make dealing with problems even more difficult, now is the time to get into some positive habits that can increase your ability to cope with stress.

1. Eat Right–Sugar, chocolate, highly-processed foods. We reach for them when we start to feel the pressure, calling them “comfort” foods. But our body’s ultimate reaction when processing these foods only makes stress worse.
2. Cut the caffeine–Feeling anxious? The caffeine in that soda or tea or coffee or chocolate only feeds your anxiousness. Try herbal teas with no caffeine or carbonated water.  Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water will also increase your energy levels and ability to cope.
3. Breathe–Slowing down to take deep breaths can really help calm your nerves. We’ve written on this topic before. Check out these articles:
   1. • How To Start A Meditation Habit
      • Calm the Nerves with these 8 Breathing Techniques
      • Reduce Stress with Your Breath
      • Beat Stress In 5 Minutes Or Less
4.  Exercise–Nothing can help reduce stress more than a little sweat. Exercise can release feel-good hormones in the body. Get up and move throughout the day. Catch a little outdoor sunshine and get a double health benefit–vitamin D production through sunshine exposure supports immune health. Not used to exercise? Start slow and don’t over-do. Check with your healthcare provider if you have a medical condition before beginning an exercise program.
5. Supplement against Stress–Supplements can help make up for nutrient gaps that make stress worse. Besides supplying basic nutrients like magnesium and vitamin C, which deplete with stress, herbs known as adaptogens support the body to help it combat its reactions to stress. We’ve written before about supplements and stress. Check out these articles:
   • • Four Fabulous Stress Fighters
     • Fight Stress With Herbal Supplements
     • Ashwagandha: Wisdom from India
     • 6 Supplements for Better Sleep

At BetsyHealth, we are committed to helping our community face our current health challenges with quality products, educated employees, and award-winning customer service. We thank you for continuing to support our family-owned, local business during these abnormal times.

In health,
Ramona

note: this article is for educational purposes only. it is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease. consult your healthcare provider before taking a supplement, especially if you have a medical condition, including being pregnant or nursing, or are taking prescription or over-the-counter medications.