In Chinese medicine, stress is one of the main culprits of illness and dis-ease. Stress wreaks havoc on the body, it causes inflammation, it diminishes circulation, it can cause insomnia, it makes hormones go crazy, it can cause emotional mood swings, it can cause headaches, migraines, digestive discomfort, bodily pain, high blood pressure, menstrual cramps and more.
We will never eradicate stress out of our lives completely, but we can certainly do things to alleviate it. Simply, we can generate our bodies in a positive way so that we can better handle the external forces that rattle our cage.
Here are tips to accomplish just that:
Eat a Protein Rich Breakfast
You’ve heard this a thousand times and we know we ‘should’ eat breakfast, but often patients say that they just aren’t hungry or don’t have time in the morning, we totally get it. So the question is why is it important to eat breakfast? Because your body has been in starvation mode all night long and needs something to kick things into gear and start your metabolism. People that eat breakfast burn more calories in a 24 hour period and when it’s protein rich, they are more alert because of the fantastic amino acids that facilitate brain activity. That and because you are filling your body with food energy, your muscles and organs systems get fed and perform better. Christina says, “Often times I’m not that hungry so I make a smoothie, there are so many great variations, but I love my apple, pumpkin seeds (rich in protein and iron), coconut oil, oat milk, frozen organic broccoli or fresh spinach and rice protein powder smoothie. If you’re feeling like you want something sweet, try ½ banana, nut butter of your choice, broccoli, spinach, rice protein, oat milk, honey and some raw cacao powder and cacao nibs.
Take Breaks at Work
Many of us are in front of a computer 8 hours a day or more. The long term effects can be eye strain, headaches, dehydration, neck and shoulder pain to name a few. Taking breaks and changing your environment can really make a difference, your eyes can readjust, it can take pressure off your neck and shoulders and your energy and circulation opens up just by walking for one minute. If you’ve tried setting your alarm for breaks and it just doesn’t work, do what Megan says, “Drink lots of water and take the longest and or different route to the rest room.”
