We can be pretty certain that in recent times, people have experienced stress in a way they may never have experienced it before. Stress is certainly something that I’m familiar with myself. As a single mum of 2 kids, I have juggled full time study to earn a degree and 2 diplomas, while also starting two businesses.
My journey wasn't without challenges, and I had to develop coping mechanisms to move through them. For me, it came down to a choice: allow my nervous system to remain under strain or take steps to regulate it. I chose regulation.
Here are some of my top tips for coping with stress:
Be mindful
Every thought has a corresponding physiological response. Positive thoughts may equal less stress. It is important to be curious and explore your way of reacting and thinking about everyday situations.
How we choose to react and think everyday is really important. How we think can put us into a resting state, or it can put us in a stressed state. It is important that you start to become more aware of this. Write down and journal about how you react and where your mind goes in everyday stressful situations.
I would also recommend considering seeing a psychologist. This can be very helpful at understanding why you feel and think in certain ways each day. A psychologist can help you explore any past traumas that have shaped your brain into thinking in certain ways/feeling.
It can help to explore any themes in your life that need to be processed in order to move forward. It can help you to be able to integrate tools and awareness into everyday life. This may help to prevent your nervous system and body going into fight or flight.
Exercise
Exercise can help improve your sleep and help release endorphins when you are feeling stressed.
Breathe
It is essential to breathe properly. Breathe into your abdomen instead of your chest and count to 6 on the out breath to slow your breathing down.
Meditate
Meditation is a great regulation tool. You could find a meditation app you enjoy and meditate for at least 5 minutes every day.
Laugh
It's important not to take life too seriously. Self-regulation doesn't always have to be structured, sometimes it's as simple as watching a comedy, sharing laughter with friends, or enjoying quality time with your family. These moments of joy can be powerful in restoring balance and easing stress.
Eat well
Adequate protein, carbohydrates and fats are essential for healthy neurotransmitter function. It's simple, yet effective - stick to 5+ veggies and 2 pieces of fruit for a healthy mind, body and soul.
Ensure an adequate intake of vitamins B, C and D
When a person is stressed, the adrenal glands require higher levels of vitamins B5 and C in particular. Vitamin D also helps to manage mood.
Increase intake of calcium, magnesium and zinc and avoid copper
Having a hot cup of milk to relax isn’t just an old wives tale it’s a good idea! Calcium and magnesium are relaxing minerals and when taken at night may help you to drift off to sleep. It's worth noting that not all supplements are equal. Calcium citrate and magnesium citrate are well-absorbed, high-quality forms of these minerals, both included in our Bone & Muscle Support formula.
High quality forms of magnesium include magnesium citrate and magnesium amino acid chelate.
A therapeutic dose of calcium is 500mg of elemental calcium. Make sure you check the label for the word elemental, it's the amount that is actually in the supplement. Your body can't absorb more than 500mg of calcium at one time. If your health practitioner has advised you need to supplement with more than this, you should split up the dose.
It is important that calcium supplements contain vitamin K2. Vitamin K2 can help direct calcium into bones and out of the arteries which helps to reduce cardiovascular risk.
Zinc is required to make serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is depleted under long term stress. High copper levels are associated with heightened anxiety. Ask your naturopath or nutritionist to check your zinc and copper levels.
Sleep well
Sleep is so important for our mental health and wellbeing so 7-8 hours a night is a priority. Invest in blackout curtains, keep a window open at night for ventilation and read a book before bed. Rather than a screen and keep the lights low for a few hours before bed to promote the production of melatonin. Go to bed and get up at the same time each day.
Buy more time
If you never seem to have enough time, start outsourcing the mundane tasks that zap your time and energy. Consider getting a cleaner to do your housework or a tutor to help your kids with their homework, if the budget permits.
Other ways to buy more time might include finding kids in your neighbourhood who want to earn some pocket money. You could ask them to do your gardening, wash the car and do any other task you don’t enjoy.
Final thoughts
By weaving even a few of these tips for stress into your daily routine, you can calm your mind, strengthen your resilience, and create more balance in the face of everyday stress. Small changes each day can make a big difference, helping you feel calmer, stronger, and more in control of stress.
