Introduction
As a doctor, I understand the importance of managing stress in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Stress can have a negative impact on our physical and mental health, so it is important to find ways to reduce it. One of the best ways to do this is to make sure you are eating the right foods. Eating the right foods can help to reduce stress levels and improve overall health. In this article, I will be discussing the best ways to fight stress through diet, and providing some tips on what to eat and what to avoid.
I’m a Doctor and These are the Best Ways to Fight Stress — Eat This Not That
Stress is a normal part of life, but it can become overwhelming if it’s not managed properly. As a doctor, I’m here to tell you that there are some simple steps you can take to reduce your stress levels and improve your overall health. Here are some of the best ways to fight stress — eat this, not that.
Eat Healthy Foods
Eating healthy foods is one of the best ways to fight stress. Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help you feel energized and reduce stress. Avoid processed and sugary foods, as these can cause your blood sugar to spike and crash, leading to fatigue and irritability.
Get Enough Sleep
Getting enough sleep is essential for managing stress. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night. If you’re having trouble sleeping, try to establish a regular sleep schedule and avoid caffeine and alcohol late in the day. Exercise can also help you sleep better.
Exercise Regularly
Exercise is one of the best ways to reduce stress. Regular physical activity can help you feel more energized and reduce tension. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. This can include walking, running, swimming, or any other activity that gets your heart rate up.
Take Time for Yourself
Taking time for yourself is important for managing stress. Make sure to set aside time each day to do something you enjoy, such as reading, listening to music, or spending time with friends. Taking a break from your daily routine can help you relax and recharge.
Talk to Someone
Talking to someone about your stress can be helpful. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or therapist, talking to someone can help you process your feelings and find ways to cope with stress. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help if you need it.
Conclusion
Stress can be overwhelming, but there are ways to manage it. Eating healthy foods, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, taking time for yourself, and talking to someone can all help reduce stress and improve your overall health. Try these tips and see how they work for you.
Our lives are stressful: work is stressful, remote work is stressful, Zoom calls are stressful, and watching the news is stressful. So is daily parenting, taking care of a pet, finding a parking spot, dealing with family, sitting next to a sneezing guy in a coffee shop, ordering that second chocolate croissant, watching yourself in the mirror, dealing with family, dressing appropriately for the weather, being on time for yoga class — all stressful even before the deadly COVID pandemic and the recent war. Stress can be acute, chronic, or episodic — and not always is bad. But when you are overwhelmed with stress factors, it can affect your body. In addition to impacting our mental health, stress can also lead to physical side effects like weight loss and insomnia. That’s why it’s more important than ever to learn how to spot and overcome stress. We asked Dr. Anisha Patel-Dunn, D.O. and Chief Medical Officer at LifeStance Health, for the best tips to fight stress. Read on to find out how you can do it—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
According to Patel-Dunn, “Stress can be caused by (but not limited to) work issues, financial hardships or relationship troubles. Individuals from the BIPOC community, for example, may also be more likely to experience daily stress as a result of microaggressions and discrimination.”
“Intense stress can elevate cortisol levels in the body which can lead to a variety of physical conditions. Long-term effects of chronic stress can range from changes in weight to depression to anxiety disorders,” says Dr. Patel-Dunn.
“Signs of chronic stress include extreme irritability, changes in appetite, low self-esteem, insomnia, difficulty concentrating. If you experience any of these, click through to learn how to deal with stress,” says Dr. Patel-Dunn.
“Identifying areas in your life that may be contributing to increased stress levels and coming up with a plan to create change is an important step. Sometimes, stressful situations and events are out of our control, but we can still develop healthy coping techniques to work through these situations. If you’re unsure where to start, working with a licensed therapist can be helpful,” says Dr. Patel-Dunn.
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“Even if it’s ten minutes out of your day, taking a break for yourself whether that’s practicing meditation, walking around the block or listening to your favorite podcast can be a helpful tool to manage stress,” says Dr. Patel-Dunn.
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“The effects of nicotine and alcohol are often seen as stress relievers when in fact these substances can cause more harmful stress to your body,” says Dr. Patel-Dunn.
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“One demographic that may be overlooked when thinking of stress is our youth and young adult patients. At LifeStance, we’ve seen a 200% increase in youth patients (ages 17 and under) seeking mental health services since 2019. As a group, they’ve been under immense stress and pressure throughout the ongoing pandemic,” says Dr. Patel-Dunn. “Going through such impactful developmental years during such a challenging time can increase stress levels. It’s important that parents and caretakers recognize the impact of these stressors on development and continue to serve as support systems through this difficult transitional period.” And to ensure your health don’t miss these 101 Health Habits You Didn’t Know Were Deadly.