If you're more tired than usual, find yourself overly irritable, and/or can't seem to concentrate, you may be suffering from low-level chronic stress. Chronic stress differs from acute stress, which comes from a sudden event such as the death of someone close or the loss of a job or relationship. But acute stress can lead to chronic stress. With COVID-19, we may encounter acute stress, but … [Read more...] about Chronic Stress: Recognizing and Mitigating It
stress
Being Aware – and Taking Care – of Our Own Needs
The sun was setting on a full day, from a conference that had filled my mind yet prevented me from getting in my usual morning exercise, to a lengthy appointment and numerous conversations that all together had worn me down. As I began my drive home, I noticed my irritation when my cell phone buzzed three more times to announce incoming texts and another phone call. I started to replay the … [Read more...] about Being Aware – and Taking Care – of Our Own Needs
Is it Self-Care, or Is it Stewardship?
Self-care takes different forms, depending on the situation and person. Lighting a candle. Enjoying a slow coffee and breathing deeply. Taking a walk. Spending time with a friend. Choosing healthy foods. Each of those has its place. But when life feels like it's spiraling out of control, self-care may be the first thing to go. How do we stop that from happening, to make ourselves more … [Read more...] about Is it Self-Care, or Is it Stewardship?
Walk Away from Stress Eating
Stress eating can hit at any time. Faced with a challenge, or boredom, or discomfort, we find ourselves pawing in the pantry or digging in the fridge. And then we eat whatever might give us temporary pleasure, not because we're physically hungry. Most often, we reach for the high carbohydrate, high fat, high sugar foods. That's because when we're stressed, high levels from the hormone … [Read more...] about Walk Away from Stress Eating
How to Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Stress is a normal reaction that people feel as they encounter changes and difficulties in life. And anxiety can be a reaction to the stress. But chronic stress can lead to anxiety disorders, the most common mental-health illness affecting people in the U.S. And it can lead to other serious health conditions, too. So how can we manage stress and anxiety in proven ways? Approaches to Manage … [Read more...] about How to Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Plan Your Meals for the Week
Meal planning can seem so burdensome and overwhelming. But when we plan meals, it helps us eat healthier and stay on a budget. So how do we do it? First questions to ask: Who's eating? What dietary restrictions do they have? I'm gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free, so when I start to think about and look for recipes, I start there. What's your budget? It is possible to eat healthy on a … [Read more...] about Plan Your Meals for the Week
