Eat, Sleep and Be Merry!

 

Take a look at what you are eating.  There are many foods that increase feelings of anxiousness that can be easily reduced and/or replaced.  Number one is caffeine –

 

• How much soda are you drinking?

• How much coffee, how much chocolate are you snacking on?

 

What about added sugars –

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• How much alcohol are you consuming, sugary cereals and breakfast treats, snacks, desserts?  

 

And fatty/fried foods –

 

• How often do you eat out especially at establishments with a drive-through window!

 

Do you eat regularly to avoid the blood sugar roller coaster ride?  These habits have the potential to increase feelings of anxiousness.  

 

Instead try eating a more wholesome and lean diet.  

 

Include fresh fruits and vegetable, lean meats, non-caffeinated beverages.  For example

 

• Adding blueberries and peaches to your diet can actually reduce stress.

• Whole grains are high in magnesium and tryptophan great for promoting calm.

• As are oats which actually have high levels of serotonin also great for promoting calm. Add foods high in B vitamins to help your nervous system and your brain like avocados, eggs, milk and lean meats.  

• Don't forget your Vitamin C which lowers stress hormones like cortisol so grab an orange!  

• And make sure you are getting enough omega-3 fatty acids – so maybe add some salmon, peanut butter, eggs or walnuts just to name a few options.  

 

Sleep!  

 

Your body, your brain and your nervous system all require restorative sleep to function properly so do your best to get 6 – 8 hours of restful sleep every night.  Develop a routine, try taking a relaxing bath with Epsom salts and lavender, turn off the electronics at least an hour before bed to avoid interrupting melatonin production. Create a relaxing sleep environment.  Visit my Helpful Tips page for additional tea and herbal suggestions!

 

Be Merry!  

Don't underestimate the power of positive thinking.  Become aware of your thoughts.

 

• How often are you criticizing, judging, complaining, ruminating?  

• How often are you complimenting, admiring, offering gratitude, feeling satisfied?  

 

You might be surprised just how often those negative thoughts creep in pushing out any possibility of positive thoughts.  Simply be aware – then make a shift!