The Stress Solution

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We all deal with stress, and it's messing with us more than we think.

But I'm not just here to talk about the problem; I'm here to share some real talk on how we can fight back.

First off, when we're stressed out, our bodies are in constant "fight or flight" mode. This can make our blood sugar go wild, leading to all sorts of health headaches.

But here's a game-changer: what we eat can either fuel that fire or help put it out.

Eating good, wholesome foods can help keep our blood sugar in check and reduce the impact of stress. It's like giving your body the right armor to go into battle.

Here are five things you can do to fight stress with food:

1. Munch on Magnesium: Foods like spinach, almonds, and avocados are packed with magnesium, which can chill you out by lowering stress levels. You can also try a magnesium supplement, I prefer Magnesium Glycinate.

2. Opt for Omega-3s: Fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts are your go-to here. Omega-3s are great for fighting off stress and keeping your mood steady.

3. Vitamin C is Key: Oranges, strawberries, bell peppers – these guys can help reduce stress and boost your immune system, which stress likes to knock around. Not to mention they help your adrenals keep up with your demands. I supplement with 2,000mg of Vitamin C each morning.

4. Complex Carbs for the Win: Think oats, quinoa, and sweet potato. They help your brain make serotonin, the feel-good hormone that keeps stress at bay. Your brain also uses a whole bunch of glucose when stressed so having carbohydrates in your diet can help improve your mood.

5. Stay Hydrated: Don’t roll your eyes. Drinking water is crucial. Even slight dehydration can increase cortisol, your body’s main stress hormone. Also, be sure to include some electrolytes here and there, especially on hot days and if you exercise a lot.

Now, whilst nutrition plays a huge role in stress management, I think it’s only right that I give therapy an honourary mention.

There's this crazy idea out there that seeing a therapist or talking about our mental health is a sign of weakness.

Well, I'm calling it out: that's complete nonsense. It's one of the bravest things you can do.

I've been there, sitting in that therapist's chair, feeling unsure but hoping for something better. And guess what? It was a game-changer.

Going to therapy taught me so much about myself. It helped me deal with stress in ways I never thought possible.

It made me a better friend, partner, and leader. It showed me that reaching out wasn't about being weak; it was about getting stronger.

So, I'm here to tell you: that it's okay to ask for help. It shows you're serious about taking control and ownership of your life and becoming a better human.

And, our friends at BetterHelp have your back. They’re all about helping you access the best therapy you can get, from your home.

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Stay strong,
Marko