4 Easy Ways to Beat Stress

There can be an incredible amount of stress both at home and work. Stress not only wreaks havoc on us emotionally, but it also has a powerful effect on our bodies and our brains, literally aging us before our time. All the stressors in our lives are not going to disappear, but there is a way to beat stress and even reverse the damage it can do.

1. Start by getting enough sleep. Lack of shut-eye boosts cortisol levels and can lead to metabolic imbalances that can contribute to weight gain and increase your risk of heart disease.

2. Eat plenty of antioxidant-rich foods. While stress can compromise your body’s ability to prevent cellular damage, antioxidants can protect your cells and reverse damage. Colorful foods – such as carrots, red peppers, berries, broccoli, spinach and other dark greens – give our body a full array of antioxidants.

3. Stay in touch with friends and family. Surrounding yourself with people that you can confide in provides strong social support that can make coping with stress a lot easier. Shop with a friend or just chat on the phone. Whether you’re sharing a problem or sharing a laugh, it all helps to release feelings of stress.

4. Stay active. Arguably the most effective way to reduce stress is to exercise. Researchers say that exercise can help stabilize stress-related hormonal imbalances. It increases anabolic hormones, such as growth hormones, and may reduce the effects of cortisol, making it one of the most potent anti-aging weapons available!