2008 was a very difficult year for almost everyone; the constant barrage of bad news overwhelmed us daily. For most Americans, it was difficult not to worry about paying bills, managing expectations, and wondering what was going to happen next. Most of us are still paralyzed by these fears. Unfortunately worrying, which creates stress, can only hurt your health.
We need to have hope and optimism to maintain our health and the belief that everything will eventually improve and be okay. Spiritual health is equally important to your physical health. You need to be positive in the face of adversity.
Stress
Symptoms
- Lack of interest, bored, nervous
- Physically look tired
- Short-tempered, anger
- Sadness
- Insomnia
- Chronic back, neck and head pain – tense muscles
- Elevated heart rate, change in breathing
Causes
- Emotional or psychological
- Financial
- Work and job pressure
- Drugs – illegal & prescription
- Fatigue
- Lack of sleep or rest
- Tobacco
- Alcohol
- Allergies
- Loss of body minerals
- Marital
- Lack of a personal relationship
- Social problems
- Loss
- Noise
- Hormonal
- Pesticides & environmental chemicals and pollutants
Our bodies are designed to handle stress. In life, you can’t avoid stress, but your body has to be strong to survive it or your immune system will become weak and you will most likely get sick.
melsSteps for Reducing Stress
- Eat more protein
- Eat superfoods
- Eat whole grains
- Eat fish at least once or twice a week
- Eat magnesium-rich foods
- Try to eat up to 75% of your diet in vegetable-based foods
- Reduce caffeine
- Drink 100% juices daily
- Drink green tea
- Laugh at least once or twice a day
- Exercise a minimum of 3 days a week for 30 minutes or more
- Walk daily
- Change location or scenery, if possible – go on a mini-vacation
- Call friends & strengthen ties
- Hang out with your family more – be invested in your family
- Sleep
- Listen to your favorite music; watch your favorite show or movie
- Drink a lot of water
- Avoid fast food, fried, processed or refined food
- Stay away from sugar
- No smoking
- No drugs of any kind
- Do something you would not normally do; be spontaneous
- Take a deep breath and inhale life
In addition to eating a balanced diet, take the following vitamins, minerals, supplements and herbs:
- Beta carotene
- Selenium
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- B-complex vitamin
- B5 orpantothenic acid
- L-Tyrosine
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Melatonin – at night only for sleep
- Psyllium husks
- Lecithin
- Maitake
- Potassium
- Raw adrenal
- Zinc
- Bilberry
- Ginkgo biloba
- Milk thistle
- Catnip
Life is about living in balance, and everyone is different. However, good nutrition is the foundation of good health, and our nutrient needs change daily. These nutrient needs are usually dependent upon our genetics, physical activity, body size, gender, and growth rate.
Everyone must have four basic nutrients:
- Water – involved in every body function
- Carbohydrates – main source of blood glucose
- Proteins – essential for growth and development
- Fats – necessary for proper brain development, energy and growth
Most people should supplement these nutrients with vitamins, minerals, herbs, and food supplements. These items are key for a child’s mental, emotional, and physical growth.
mels’ Basic Advice: -Avoid refined, fried, unhealthy frozen, or fast foods
-Avoid salty, sugary, high-caloric or empty foods
-Eat fresh fruits and veggies, whole foods, and fiber
-Eat Super Foods
-Exercise daily
-Get enough sleep
mels’ Law If you have to eat bad foods – foods bad for your health – eat an equal number of good foods to balance your diet.
Whatever you do, be positive, find your spiritual balance, and eat right.
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Melissa “mel” Melcombe is a 24-year-old writer, speaker and developer of the healthy living Web site called melslife, which has become the leading source of healthy living information for “echo boomers” or “millennials .” Ms. Melcombe does not see herself as an expert, but rather as a passionate person who has lots of opinions about health, food, and healthy lifestyles, and she wants to share her information.
