Stress management

I'm sure lots of you know that how you cope with stress can impact your nutritional goals and well being.

When we're stressed we want comfort and look for things to take the "pain" away, like food, alcohol and smoking. These comforts cause our neurotransmitters to make you feel good ( for a little while) causing you to want to keep repeating these behaviours to get the same feeling good result. Eventually the pattern becomes wired in your brain and you learn to depend on what ever is taking away the pain to cope with stress.

Don't get me wrong, de-stressing is beneficial to your health but relying on external comforts isn't in the end the most beneficial way to go.

Some ways to de-stress without using food or alcohol or smoking!

1. Mindful breathing.

Take notice of your breath and track the feeling of inhaling and exhaling. Notice how your chest and abdomen rise and fall. After a few breaths, take a deeper breath. Try not focus on your breathing and if you get distracted, just redirect your attention back to your breathing.

2. Progressive muscle relaxation.

Start at your feet, tense each muscle group, one at a time holding the tension until its almost uncomfortable, then release it. Move up your body to the top of your head.

Notice how your body feels as you release the tension in each muscle group. Take your time doing this.