Coping with work stress
I’ve just taken a new job and it is a lot more stressful than my previous role. I’ve noticed that I’ve become a bit of a rushing woman (due to a number of other factors). Any words of advice to help this? Thanks, Sarah.
Hi Sarah. I’m sure many people can relate to this. There are a number of useful strategies you can employ to help you with this transition, but here are a few you may find helpful.
Keep your emails concise and if possible check them twice a day
You might decide to think to yourself: ‘‘I refuse to allow my emails to take over my life’’. Or ‘’’ make a commitment to check them once in the morning and once in the afternoon – and that’s it’’. The reason being that many of us can work from our email inbox as opposed to working on important work that we really need to be investing our time and energy into. It can also be really helpful to keep your emails as brief as possible. With the amount of communication received in the modern world, this will save you so much time.
Disconnect from technology (whenever and if possible)
I believe a lot of us struggle to find balance in our lives due to a feeling of being constantly connected. You may even find yourself mindlessly scrolling through your phone or tablet, even when you’re at home. Switch your phone to airplane mode for an hour or two each day. This will give you some space to rejuvenate and allow you get things done efficiently.
Put your legs up the wall
Focus on bringing more calm to your nervous system – and more attention to your breath. A great way to help you breathe diaphragmatically is to lay on your back with your legs up the wall. Lie in this position for 5-10 minutes and focus on your breath. Place a folded towel under your back or bottom for support if you like. Take 10 minutes to fully relax into this pose, it’s especially restorative with some soothing music.
My flatmate is obsessed with raw, sweet recipes, she would probably make around 4-5 different recipes a week. Is that really healthy for you? Thanks, Millie.
Hi Millie. When talking about food, I don’t believe the conversation should necessarily revolve around whether something is ‘‘healthy’’ for us or not, it should be whether that food offers us nutrition or not.
As awareness is growing around the impact of refined sugar on our health, more and more people are transitioning into raw, vegan or less refined sugar, sweet options.
As a result, there has been huge growth in raw, sweet recipes, as they tend to use more Email your questions for Dr Libby to ask.drlibby@fairfaxmedia.co.nz. Please note, only a selection of questions can be answered.
nourishing sweeteners such as dates or maple syrup. I think the emerging popularity of these desserts have a huge cross-over with this growing awareness of the impact of refined sugar and a movement towards eating more real foods.
As many people love sweet food it’s a great way to remind people that eating more real food isn’t just about salads and green smoothies and that you actually don’t have to go without your favourite foods. However, as with anything you can overdo it. Maple syrup, dates and other natural sweeteners often used in these raw desserts still contain sugars, so these recipes are still best used in moderation. They are simply more nutrient-dense options.
Dr Libby is a nutritional biochemist, best-selling author and speaker. The advice contained in this column is not intended to be a substitute for direct, personalised advice from a health professional. Visit drlibby.com.