Oh, the stress! Crazy schedules, COVID worries, doctor’s visits, parenting battles, work dilemmas, relationship issues, health concerns, messy houses, caring for aging parents, losing loved ones. At times our lives can simply feel like too much. The stress we feel not only depletes us emotionally, but takes a huge toll on us physically too.
Why does stress leave us feeling so run down? When you’re stressed, your entire being – your mind, body, and spirit, and all of their sub-systems that keep you running every day – devote all of their resources to managing your stressful event. In essence, you go into survival mode and your systems operate at full capacity. Your body taps into every form of emotional and physical energy and grabs from its reserves as well. Even if you feel frozen in your stress, your body is actively working to prepare you to deal with your stressors.
As part of this response, stress depletes our bodies of several important vitamins and minerals. And on top of that, we tend to skip meals and just grab whatever is at hand to keep us going. It’s no wonder we end up feeling so drained.
Our bodies need to have those essential vitamins and minerals restored when we’re stressed. There’s no better time to eat well, to eat mindfully. But how tempting those quick fixes are! Especially those comforting sugary snacks, baked goods, French fries, processed convenience foods, and caffeinated beverages!
As you could guess, those “feel-good” foods and drinks quickly lead to a crash in mood and energy, worsening symptoms of stress.
So What Should We Eat When Stressed?
Look to foods with Omega-3 fatty acids to give your mind, and mood, a boost. The best sources are fatty fish (salmon, herring, mackerel, anchovies, sardines), seaweed, flaxseed, chia seeds, and walnuts. Chia seeds or flaxseed are easily tossed into a smoothie, or onto a bowl of yogurt or oatmeal.
You could even snack on a (very) small amount of dark chocolate. Also look to complex carbs such as vegetables, whole grains, and naturally sweet fruit. In addition to packing in the nutrients, these digest more slowly, resulting in more stable blood sugar. Fermented foods are another great option. Also remember to drink plenty of water, and give herbal tea a try.
Excuses…or Better Health?
It’s difficult to practice self-care when stressed. It’s so tempting to reach for the instant fix. And truth be told, we make excuses for ourselves. We give ourselves a pass because we are dealing with enough as it is.
But do you want to be healthy? Do you want to feel well, not sick, when your stress subsides? Do you want to look and feel your best – or would you rather have five extra pounds to contend with on top of whatever caused your stress in the first place?
Don’t trouble your troubles by engaging in unhealthy eating habits during stressful periods. Stick to what’s healthy. Your mind, body, and spirit will thank you.
