As we try to balance our many responsibilities throughout the day, we often experience varying degrees of stress when things don’t always go according to plan. Thankfully, our miraculous bodies have a fine-tuned stress response system to ensure we’re able to function when experiencing physical, emotional & psychological stress by releasing the hormones adrenaline, noradrenaline & cortisol from our adrenal glands.
Have you ever experienced anxiety, irritability, insomnia, persistent acne, or the feeling of complete exhaustion? Most of us have. This results from excessive & prolonged stress and is further aggravated by our high levels of caffeine consumption, consuming a highly processed & sugar infused diet, lack of sleep, and minimal exercise – lifestyles that many of us fall into when challenged with the daily stresses & pressures of life’s demands.
Fortunately, there is hope in regaining balance & harmony and increasing our happy hormones by following these simple suggestions:
- Eliminate or decrease caffeine, soy, sugar and processed foods
- Buy and eat organic, fresh, local produce (especially your greens!)
- Minimize alcohol consumption
- Organize, prioritize, and establish a daily routine
- Utilize stress reduction techniques such as prayer, journaling, meditation, or yoga
- Avoid external hormonal stimulants (animal products, dairy, soy, birth control)
- Stop smoking
- Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep/night
Mother Nature has provided some nutrient-dense & extremely delicious mood foods that will help you stress less & get happy now:
Walnuts: excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids that nourish brain cells and provide mood-lifting neurotransmitters; also rich in minerals like manganese, copper, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, and selenium.- Rolled Oats: rich in B vitamins & folic acid that stabilize blood sugar and maintain a steady level of energy throughout the day.
- Pistachios: contain a high level of polyunsaturated fats, vitamins and antioxidants while lowering blood pressure and stabilizing blood sugar levels. Pop some pistachios into your salad for a delicious crunch!
- Green Leafy Vegetables: loaded with B vitamins and antioxidants that are linked to preventing depression and reducing fatigue. Choose from spinach, kale, cabbage, romaine lettuce, swiss chard and many more! The greener the better!
Avocado: contains a high amount of healthy and nourishing saturated fat that feeds the brain and combats fatigue, anxiety and depression.- Quinoa: complete protein and complex carbohydrate, boosts serotonin, the happy hormone in our brain. Also contains calcium, phosphorus and iron. Delicious & versatile!
Stress does not have to be a normal part of your daily life. By implementing these key steps & mood foods, you will stress less and live your happiest, healthiest, most vibrant & radiant life!
Kristina Skoko is a Registered Nurse and currently studying to become a Certified Holistic Health Coach. She is a marathon runner with a passion for maximizing health and fitness by eating a clean and green diet! Her goal is to help you discover your best and brightest self with fresh, feisty and fabulous foods! For more inspiration and motivation, follow her on twitter.
