10 Stress Management Techniques For Busy Moms
Stress runs so rampantly in our lives that we get stressed trying to do all the things experts recommend to reduce stress. It truly is a minefield.
Rather than spending four hours meditating, journaling, practicing gratitude, kissing butterflies, and going to therapy every morning, I encourage my clients to take the easy route. Pick one thing, and do it. If you hate it, pick something else tomorrow. Rinse and repeat.
Stress management shouldn't be another task on your to-do list. Start looking at this mental health decluttering with more of a choose-your-own-adventure approach. Trust me — it’s much less stressful that way.
#1 Consider Supplements
Specific supplements can help support our bodies’ natural stress response abilities, and certain nutrients are depleted in times of stress. Vitamin C, Zinc, B Complex, Essential Fatty Acids, and Magnesium are great additions to your stress-management toolbox.
#2 Develop A Spiritual Or Religious Practice
No matter what you believe in, spiritual and religious practices have calming effects that can ease stress. Re-prioritize this area of your life in whatever small way you can.
#3 Exercise
Physical activity improves your blood flow and your body’s ability to use oxygen—both of which reduce feelings of stress. It also increases those “feel-good” endorphins and is great for taking your mind off problems and worries.
#4 Adopt An Early, Consistent Bedtime
If you’re stressed out, chances are, your body needs to rest. Going to bed just a half-hour earlier, can give your body the extra time it needs to really relax.
#5 Meditate
When it comes to stress reduction, meditation seems to be the medicine everyone needs. Studies have shown time and time again that consistent meditation can reduce the body’s inflammatory response to stress hormones. So why not give it a shot?
#6 Balance Blood Sugar
Stress causes blood sugar spikes, which can contribute to conditions like hormonal issues (period problems, PCOS), mood disorders like depression and anxiety, and weight gain. Balance your stressed-out blood sugar by eating carbs with fat and/or protein.
#7 Remove Inflammatory Foods
Another way to use nutrition as a stress management tool is to decrease your body’s inflammation. Remove refined carbohydrates and inflammatory oils from your diet to both manage stress and increase your natural energy.
#8 Take Adaptogens
Adaptogens are herbs that can help reduce fatigue and enhance your mental performance by supporting the body’s natural stress systems and responses. Some great stress-fighting adaptogens include Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, and Holy Basil.
#9 Prioritize Social Connection
Studies show that strong social support can help you become more resilient to stress. So if it’s been a while since you called a friend or went out for a girls’ night, it’s time to break out that social calendar.
#10 Focus On What You Can Control
And finally, if you want to reduce the amount of stress in your life, you’ve got to focus on what you can control. Doing so will enable you to navigate better all the stresses that life brings our way.
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One thing that you’re always in control of is your health! If you want to create an easy meal plan that improves your nutrition AND reduces stress, click here to set up a free consultation call with me.
Sources
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0889159112004758
https://www.healthline.com/health/stress/smart-girls-guide-to-adaptogens#how-to-use-adaptogens
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20806028
This information is for educational and informational purposes only and solely as a self-help tool for your own use. I am not providing medical, psychological, or nutrition therapy advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your own medical practitioner. Always seek the advice of your own medical practitioner and/or mental health provider about your specific health situation. For my full Disclaimer, please go to https://www.sourceandsproutnutrition.com/disclaimer