{"id":25028,"date":"2020-08-06T09:02:09","date_gmt":"2020-08-06T09:02:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cleanfoodcrush.com\/?p=25028"},"modified":"2020-08-06T06:32:49","modified_gmt":"2020-08-06T06:32:49","slug":"14-ways-to-relieve-anxiety-and-stress","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cleanfoodcrush.com\/14-ways-to-relieve-anxiety-and-stress\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Ways to Relieve Anxiety and Stress"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n
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With everything going on in the world right now, I can\u2019t be the only one feeling more anxiety than usual. <\/span><\/h1>\n

Whether the news cycle is ramping up anxiety or personal events are adding to the stress, we all sometimes need a little help managing. Ignoring the stress in your life, or putting off dealing with anxiety, <\/strong><\/span>can trigger<\/a><\/strong> many different health problems<\/strong>, including <\/span>inflammation<\/span><\/a>, depression, <\/span>headaches<\/span><\/a>, heart disease, digestion problems, weight gain, high blood pressure, and a <\/span>weakened immune system<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There are long term solutions for managing an anxiety disorder, but I recommend reaching out to your doctor for those.<\/strong> In the meantime, anyone can benefit from these strategies to relieve anxiety and stress. If you don\u2019t know where to start, maybe try one a day for the next two weeks and see how you feel!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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1 – Eat a Well-Balanced Diet<\/b><\/h2>\n

This may seem clich\u00e9 coming from Clean FOOD Crush, but I cannot emphasize enough the <\/strong><\/span>effects<\/a><\/strong> food can have on your mental health<\/strong>. We even have a list of <\/span>15 foods that can help you naturally fight anxiety and stress.<\/span><\/a> However, it\u2019s not always making one cup of tea when you\u2019re stressed. The most helpful thing to do is to be consistent. Do not skip any meals or feel defeated if you have one unhealthy meal. Instead, keep healthy, energy-boosting snacks on hand and try a nutritious, balanced, <\/span>sustainable diet<\/span><\/a> that can be a lifestyle, rather than a quick fix.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Eggs Can Help Reduce Stress – Give These Portobello Eggs a Try!<\/a><\/p>\n

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2 – Stay Away from Sugar<\/b><\/h2>\n

I know this is super similar to tip number 1 and tip number 3, but it deserves its own section. I mean, how many times in your life have you heard the words \u201ccomfort food\u201d? Reaching for the M&Ms hidden in the back of the pantry may be second nature when feeling overwhelmed with stress, but I promise, that can do more harm than good. Comfort food only comforts while you\u2019re eating it. As soon as those M&Ms are gone, the anxious feelings may skyrocket.<\/strong> Instead, try drinking drink a glass of <\/span>water<\/span><\/a> (maybe with <\/span>lemon<\/span><\/a>), eating some <\/span>protein<\/span><\/a>, or try a new <\/span>comfort food recipe<\/span><\/a>. If you need a little help with this one (no shame in that, I know I\u2019ve needed help staying away from sugar!) here are <\/span>9 ways to detox from sugar<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Try This Cauliflower Steak Pizza for Some Healthy Comfort Food<\/a><\/p>\n

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3 – Limit Alcohol and Caffeine<\/b><\/h2>\n

Caffeine, the stimulant found in coffee, tea, energy drinks, and chocolate, can increase (and sometimes cause) levels of anxiety and depression. I\u2019m sure you\u2019ve noticed the physical manifestations of this before in feelings of restlessness, nervous, irritable, or actual jitters and tremors. If you still need a little boost of energy, there are plenty of <\/span>natural ways<\/span><\/a> to do this that don\u2019t involve caffeine.<\/span><\/p>\n

Similarly, alcohol\u00a0changes levels of serotonin in the brain, which can worsen\u00a0anxiety<\/strong>. Keep in mind that a few glasses may seem to erase all anxiety, when the effects of alcohol wear off, you may feel even more\u00a0anxious\u00a0than before.\u00a0Alcohol-induced\u00a0anxiety\u00a0can last for several hours, or even for an entire day after drinking. Quick fixes are not really fixes at all.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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4 – Take Time for Yourself<\/b><\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re like me and constantly busy, or living in a crowded house, this can simultaneously be one of the hardest tips and the most helpful. Try carving out just a bit of time to be by yourself and do something that makes you happy.<\/span><\/p>\n

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