Over 1 in 4 workers in Canada report being highly stressed.
That equates to around 3. 7 million people.
Work, financial concerns, family stresses, not feeling like there is enough time in the day, isolation, responsibilities and general anxiety and worry were listed as the common sources of stress according to statistics Canada.
Is our basic requirements of living killing us? Stress is the underlying cause in virtually every chronic illness, including diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and our obesity pandemic.
Despite the outer circumstances, if we want change, it’s our inner circumstances that need to be tended to and reprioritized.
When things like work, kids, obligations and running around the rat race become predominant in our lives, self care becomes diminished, leading to more and more stress.
If you have feelings of overwhelm, here’s your new action plan.
1. Assess your exercise regime. Exercise is the most underutilized stress buster and acts as an antidepressant, releasing endorphins and improving your mood.
If you can’t seem to get exercising, get yourself a personal trainer or a buddy to start running with. Give yourself a one week grace period to allow yourself to go through the motions of feeling tired as you begin.
But you have to kick up the workout plan. Even starting your day with a 10 minute walk is a great start.
2. One of the most powerful foods to combat stress is fermented vegetables. As stress depletes the body of critical nutrients, including Vitamin B, which can start to lead to low energy and even depression it is critical to get the gut flora in tip top shape. Start eating some organic kraut with your lunch or supper. It may seem like a stretch, but watch what happens in just 30 days.
3. Cut the sugar. The consumption of sugar alone may be the very reason you feel stressed at all! Blood sugar imbalance is directly linked to mood swings, anxiety, depression and feeling wired.
Give yourself a 7 day cutoff plan where you focus each day on mindfully avoiding sugar. Remember, dessert spelt backwards is stressed.
4. Re-evaluate your week. What can you take off the list? What can you delegate to someone else? Slow down. C
hilling out is the new hustle. Let that be your mantra. Give yourself permission to relax.
5. Listen to meditations before bed. Go on youtube and search “meditations to unwind.” Listen to in the bath or in a comfortable position.
Allow yourself to reflect on your lifestyle. The choices you are making and the results you are getting. Self inquiry is the first step to any change. The solution to a more peaceful, less stressed life is in your hands.
You just have to set your intentions and allow yourself to slow down.
“If you are able to find even the smallest feeling of relief in a deliberately chosen thought, the gentle path toward your solution will begin.” – Abraham Hicks
Kristin Fraser, BSc, is a holistic nutritionist and local freelance writer. She can be reached at kristin@somethingtochewon.ca