Today, we all live busy lives. There is no escaping from it and whether you are a worker on the shop, an executive in a high powered job or a mother at home with a family to manage, stress (unlike love), is all around. Our lives have gotten busier as the world has moved faster and the associated stresses on us have increased because of it.
Most of us don’t recognise the effect that life places on us and therefore fail to manage it until an event occurs that brings it to the fore. We cope. We have another glass of wine. We ignore, until our behaviour begins to affect others.
Therefore its a good idea to firstly think about the stresses in your life and how they may affect you and secondly, do a little planning to reduce them, so making for a better, more relaxed you at home as well as in the workplace.
You might expect a long list of things to do but really that is not necessary.
There are four main areas that you can improve that will dramatically reduce stress on your body, mind and overall well being, making you a better worker, partner and overall, healthier, happier and more content
- Diet
There is no getting away from the fact that we are what we eat. And even if you think that you are eating a healthy diet, (and that puts you in a minority), you are probably still falling short. Modern agriculture in all its forms has affected the levels of nutrients in the fruit and vegetables we eat. They no longer contain the nutrients that they once did. For the most part though, (and the vast majority), the lure of quick fast processed food, deliveries or take-aways is your fast track route to…well I think you know that already…so I wont rub it in!
- Sleep
Sleep is important in so many ways. Regular, sustained sleep for 7-8 hours does more than let your body rest. It allows important biological functions to take place such as autophagy that helps renew and detoxify the body of old and damaged cells. Keep the same bedtime every day and try not to eat late or drink stimulants (with caffeine) or depressants, (alcohol) for a time before you go to bed.
- Exercise
You don’t need to go mad with exercise to feel the benefits. 30 minutes a day brisk walking is enough to start to see major benefits. At lunch walk fifteen minutes away from the office and fifteen minutes back. Over time increase the distance by increasing your speed. Its that simple. Far from making you tired, it will increase your energy as you push more oxygen to your organs and brain.
- Planning
The saying, Fail to Plan, Plan to fail…isn’t far from the truth. Plan your work the night before. Plan your free time for the next week-end. Just these two things will reduce your overall stress and give you something to look forward to. Writing to do lists plants goals and achievements in the brain that when completed provide a sense of achievement and reward.
You could also consult Joan Logan for psychic reading for your mind peace.
My Healthy Tip to Start the Day
Morning Smoothie
- 1Banana
- 1 Avocado
- 1 small beetroot (½ a large)
- 3 tbsp Natural Yogurt
- 50g frozen blueberries
- 50g frozen strawberries
- 1tsp sense* for busy lives superfood powder*
- pomegranate (or other) fruit juice
Put it all in the blender and whizz till smooth. A great start to the day.
Sense* for busy lives superfood powder contains a whole range of great superfoods all in one place. Acai, Baobab, Lucuma, Hemp, Inulin, Maca, Guarana to name just a few. All great for reducing oxidative stress and releasing energy to start your day. See full list at sense website