It’s very simple that eating nutritious foods and being physically active on a regular basis are the foundation for living a healthy lifestyle, but effectively managing stress is also essential for avoiding chronic illness. According to the Cleveland Clinic, stress may change the way your body processes certain fats.

In a recent study, researchers looked at the immediate health effects of eating a meal high in saturated fat (the type found in four-legged-animal-based foods) and of eating a meal high in monounsaturated fat (the type found in walnuts and avocado). Not surprisingly, the saturated-fat group fared worse in blood tests for four separate disease markers than the monounsaturated-fat group. But when people had experienced a moderately stressful event the day before, the differences disappeared. In other words, your responses to stress may diminish the protective effects of good-for-you fats!

Easy tips to help you stay stress-free at home include:

  • Taking the time for daily stress-management practice, like mindfulness meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, reading or yoga
  • Now that the weather is starting to get nicer, try taking walk or jog, or if playing golf or tennis helps alleviate stress, go for it! Start with 20 minutes, or even just a few minutes, a day and build up your practice from there.
  • Visit with four-legged friends (cats or dogs) to help you relax and produce oxytocin (the happiness hormone!)
  • Get out in the garden! Being around nature and growing your own food can help alleviate stress and allow you to better provide a nutritious diet for you and your family

Managing Job Stress:

  • The good news is that it’s possible to manage job stress by becoming aware of what increases or decreases your stress levels. The following are six methods to help you manage your stress at work.
  • Plan and prioritize: Do not panic, make a list to prioritize your work, set realistic deadlines, do not rush into the first idea you have and always have an alternative plan.
  • Focus on what you can control: You know what your job tasks are. Break the larger tasks into smaller, more doable steps.
  • Slow down: Think things through before you act, and begin with a result in mind.
  • Limit interruptions: Use your voicemail to your advantage and only take calls that are a priority when you are on a tight deadline. Set aside designated times throughout the day to respond to e-mails and phone calls.
  • Use all of your resources: If things do not go exactly as planned, do not solely rely on yourself. Ask for help when you need it.
  • Take a break: To release stress, make time to take a short break. Taking a walk or discussing your work situation with another person may help you gain a fresh perspective.

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