By Michelle Guillemard. It’s Stress Less Day today at Blackmores HQ. So, we've collected some of the best tips and advice from our library of stress information to help you stay cool, calm and collected - today and beyond! Try these ideas for lifting energy and stamping out anxiety.
Eat more complex carbs
Serotonin, which has a calming effect, can be boosted by eating carbohydrates. The best forms are complex carbohydrates from wholemeal food and low GI fruit and vegetables.
Drink less coffee
Nestled among the list of things to avoid is coffee. Though we often turn to caffeine when under pressure, it can actually worsen anxiety. This is because caffeine binds to receptors in your brain normally occupied by feel-good chemical, adenosine, which relieves anxious feelings. Likewise alcohol when consumed regularly reduces the effectiveness of neurotransmitter GABA, resulting in increased stress.
Get a regular massage
"I see massage as imperative rather than any sort of luxury, particularly if people have ongoing stress," says Sydney naturopath Carl Gagnon. "It's not just good for tension, but also for relaxing the nervous system and helping us sleep better."
Exercise more
Exercise burns off stress hormones, releases endorphins and promotes the removal of waste. We release endorphins when we exercise, feel much more relaxed afterwards, and gain physical stamina as a result.
Meditate
Take ten minutes at the end of each day to sit quietly and think over the day you've had. Remember the thoughts and emotions you have experienced, and take note of those which created positive results.
Improve your relationships
Address how your relationships might be having a negative impact upon your life, and attempt to resolve any conflicts. For further help, try Relationships Australia www.relationships.com.au
Work it out
Avoid excessive hours and say ‘no' to prevent becoming overwhelmed. Know your limits and if things are piling up, say something or delegate tasks.
Sleep
Sleep replenishes our neurotransmitters. Poor sleep patterns can have a cyclic, self-perpetuating effect. Herbs (such as valerian) and relaxation techniques, as well as avoiding caffeine and boosting exercise, can all help.
Find calm
Paul Wilson is a renowned meditation teacher and author of 19 books, including The Calm Technique, Instant Calm and The Little Book of Calm. Paul was a guest speaker at the PR launch of Blackmores Everyday Stress Formula, and he spoke to me about one of his methods of finding peace of mind in everyday life. Watch this video to learn how to find calm with Paul Wilson.
Today at Blackmores we've had smiley cupcakes, a special party lunch, funny games (egg and spoon race, etc) and a roving masseuse. So I'm feeling pretty relaxed right about now! How do you stress less at work? Does your employer ever do a 'Stress Less' day?