Four tips to reduce your stress levels this fall

The shorter days, cooler temperatures and return to a rigid routine can be stressful. Here are four ways to reduce your stress levels as you transition back to work or school this fall.

Eat your stress away

Pack healthy lunches and snacks with lots of fruits and vegetables. Dark green leafy vegetables like spinach contain folate, a B-vitamin that helps control the brain’s feelings of reward and pleasure. Instead of reaching for pastries, try a handful of berries as a snack. Blueberries are packed with antioxidants and phytonutrients, both of which help to improve your body’s response to stress and ability to fight stressrelated free radicals.

Relax with magnesium

Known as the original chill pill, magnesium is an essential mineral that plays an important role in the way we manage stress and mood. High stress levels deplete magnesium levels in the body, but research shows that supplementation can protect against the damage caused by stress. Visit your local CHFA Member health food store to learn more about the benefits of magnesium and find the best supplement for your needs.

Try probiotics

Recent research shows that a probiotic supplement can improve brain health by reducing anxiety and stress. Add a probiotic supplement to your daily routine or consider including more probiotic-rich fermented foods, such as kimchi, kefir and sauerkraut, in your meals and snacks.

Keep calm and reflect

Practising mindfulness regularly can reduce stress, lower blood pressure and improve memory. If you can find 10 minutes out of each day to take a pause, the overall health benefits will make the time investment well worth it.

There are many ways to be mindful. Stopping to take three deep breaths, going for a walk, joining a yoga class and meditating are all simple ways to clear your mind and reflect.

Find more tips on how to reduce your stress levels online at chfa.ca (NC).