Managing lifes' stress levels
One of the most important things we should all be focusing on each day in order to maintain physical and mental health is stress reduction.
Most of us have many stress reducing strategies already built into our everyday lives, however not all of these provide the long term result we seek.
Eating is a strategy that is commonly used to combat symptoms of stress, and although this sort of ‘emotional eating’ will provide a quick fix in the moment, it is actually more likely to place even greater stress on the body in the long run. By eating foods that are lacking in nutrients and are high in unhealthy fats and salts (such as processed snacks, and deep fried foods) we are depriving ourselves of what our bodies are really looking for, and therefore encouraging this cycle of never being able to satisfy our cravings.
It is, therefore, very important to understand what cravings mean and what your body is asking for, so that you are able to find that balance and create a more sustainable way of dealing with certain stresses.
If you are craving salty foods, for example, this may indicate a chloride deficiency or stress hormone fluctuations. To help restore the body (instead of turning to a bag of chips) try some celery, olives, tomatoes, kelp, leafy greens or some Himalayan sea salt.
By giving our bodies what they need and incorporating healthy stress reduction habits of exercise, meditation and breathing exercises, we are in far better positions to achieve that balance we are searching for.