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More Healthy Advice for Dealing with Stress
University of Wyoming Extension Specialists Randy R. Weigel and Suzanne Pelican
recently wrote an article “Eating and Activity for Health and Pleasure”
(University of Wyoming Cooperative Service Extension publication B1124-3) that
points out how a fast-paced lifestyle adds to stress and makes it harder to take
care of oneself. To read the entire article, go to
http://ces.uwyo.edu/PUBS/B1124-3.pdf
They point out there are many causes of stress in our lives today and it takes a
toll on what we eat, when we eat and how we eat. Family eating patterns have
changed. Busy schedules conflict with time for family meals. We eat out
more—often fast food—or use convenience foods because they are quick and easy.
Such meals tend to fall short in terms of good nutrition and good flavor.
Weigel and Pelican have some helpful ideas about stress and its effect on our
eating and drinking habits.
Eating and stress
Caffeine. Too much can make you jittery and cause sleep problems. If you
drink regular coffee, limit yourself to 2 to 3 cups per day. And remember that
some types of tea, soft drinks, and over-the-counter pain medications also
contain high levels of caffeine.
Alcohol. Think before you drink. Alcohol never solves problems and only
hides stress temporarily. Consider healthier actions such as taking a walk or a
swim, going for a bike ride, doing some gardening, or riding a horse. Try an
activity that gives you a different perspective about the stress you face.
Skipping meals. Without regular meals and snacks, you may become
light-headed and anxious. These feelings can increase your level of stress. Try
to plan for times you know you’ll be hungry. Carry snacks like crackers, fruit,
juice, and jerky.
Multi-tasking. Eating while you drive, watch TV or work at a computer can
add to your stress and increase your food intake. Instead, develop a mental
presence while you eat. Make it an enjoyable and relaxing experience.
Busy schedules tend to squeeze out time for physical activity. This makes it
almost impossible to avoid gaining weight and still eat enough to supply all our
nutritional needs.
Physical activity is a proven way to cope with stress, yet time pressures can
make it hard to do. Weigel and Pelican had some ideas about finding ways to be
more physically active.
Building physical activity in unlikely
places
Shopping. Walk the mall before starting to shop. Climb the stairs instead
of using the escalator. Park the car at the far end of the parking lot and walk
to the grocery store.
Vacationing. Plan trips to destinations that will include walking.
Possible destinations include zoos, museums, botanical gardens, theme parks,
national monuments, and historic sites.
Volunteering. Volunteer for activities that not only contribute to
others’ well being but that keep you healthy as well. Run errands for those who
can’t get out of their homes. Coach a youth sports team (and do the same
exercises as the players). Clean up park or highway.
Visiting. Take a family walk before and after the holiday meal. Organize
a physical game during the family reunion. Start an active family
tradition—touch football, volleyball, and bike riding are just a few of the
healthful options.
Waiting. Be proactive when you have to “hurry up and with,” whether it’s
in a doctor’s office, airport terminal, concert hall, or government building.
Find out how long the delay will last, and then walk around the building or
through the terminal. Climb the stairs.
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