Don't let STRESS get the best of you!

Stress can literally make our bodies sick, tired & fat! Sadly the accumulation of stress has started to get the best of me and for a while now I have been living in a state of always being on "high alert". I haven't experienced any serve effects (yet) but I have been dealing with several symptoms which I need to get under control before it does result in serious illness.

While we can't completely eliminate stress, we can manage the way we deal with it. Here are some things that I will be working on to get my stress levels under control. 

Pace yourself! Learn to slow down & live in the moment. I find myself trying to rush through everything so I can move on to the next thing. Remember that life is a marathon, not a sprint.

Work it out! Get enough exercise...but not too much. A good sweat can help relieve stress, but if your body is already fatigued from being overly stressed be careful not to push too hard. Try to incorporate gentle and relaxing activities like yoga, stretching and walking.

Let it roll! Don't take things so personal, you will never please everyone and if you're trying to do so you will never be happy yourself. Learn to let the opinions of other people roll off your back.

Let it go! Don't hold on to things that are out of your control, instead learn to forgive, forget and move on. 

Learn when to say no! It's not bad to want to help other people as long as it's not at the expense of meeting your own needs and priorities. You have the right to say no to something you don't want to do and you shouldn't feel guilty about it.

Laugh it off! It's been said that laughter is the best medicine. Instead of getting angry try to find the humor in things that are stressing you.

Breath it out! Before reacting and letting a stressful event set you off take a few deep breaths and give yourself a moment to reassess the situation.

Eat it up! Make sure you're fueling your body with fresh and healthy foods.

• Magnesium & Calcium can help relax tense muscles: broccoli, kale, almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds
• Vitamin C can help support the immune system: oranges, broccoli, red bell peppers, strawberries, lemon
• Vitamins B5 & B6 can help support adrenal function: broccoli, mushrooms, avocado, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, sunflower seeds
• Omega 3 Fatty Acids can help reduce inflammation and improve mental focus: avocado, walnuts, chia seeds, flax seeds, salmon, grass-fed beef 

Even if you're not currently experiencing a high level of stress be proactive by practicing these habits to keep your mind & body healthy.