Stress levels can really begin to climb at this time of year — and if ignored, elevated levels can begin to compromise one’s health.
words & images by Kim Ball/Foam magazine

The Dangers of Stress…
A stressed-out body brings about a surge of the hormone cortisol, which is a good thing, because cortisol works to protect the body against stress.

However, when constant pressure is pounding down nonstop, cortisol remains at persistently high levels, causing the body to deteriorate. The human body wasn’t designed to live such a high-stress lifestyle!

These are the effects of excess cortisol over time:
• fat gain, especially belly fat
• elevated blood sugar
• decreased tolerance for carbohydrates
• bone loss
• muscle wasting
• high blood pressure
• severely weakened immune system

Good Ways to DE-Stress…
Get your ZZZs!
Without sufficient sleep, our bodies are unable to recover and regenerate from frayed nerves. Sleep is not a luxury — it’s a necessity! So, hit the pillow and relax in dreamland for 7-9 hours. And for the most restorative sleep, the optimal bedtime is 10 p.m.

Do some sweating and heavy breathing.
Now, get your mind out of the gutter…I’m talkin’ about exercise! Since exercise gets the heart pumping, blood circulating, and oxygen flowing to muscles, it is a natural stress reducer. It’ll even out hormones and invigorate the body. So, schedule 3-5 worthwhile exercise sessions each week for sufficient tension relief.

Pick an exercise that works best for you.
If you like to surf, then surf. If you’d rather twist yourself into bendable yoga positions, then get yourself to a yoga class. If you prefer tai chi, weight training, kayaking, dancing…go for it! Doing enjoyable activities will work wonders for alleviating stress — you’ll be more likely to stick with it, which will help to maintain a healthy level of fitness.

Don’t forget to eat breakfast! (Or lunch, or dinner…)
Skipping meals is a big no-no. The body needs fuel in order to run properly. Lack of fuel will lead to massive drops in energy, huge cravings, hormonal dysfunction, and extra stress! So, allow time for a good meal or snack every 3 hours. Providing the body with nutrients makes stress easier to handle (and get rid of!).

Eat a variety of whole foods.
Fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, poultry, low-fat dairy, nuts/seeds, and whole grains — a diet filled with a variety of nourishing foods ensures the body gets everything it needs to function properly. Alternatively, poor food choices will only compound the stress response.

Note: Always consult a physician before embarking on a new dietary/fitness regimen.