How to Nourish Your Body to Relieve Stress

Did you know? The way we eat can either add to or help alleviate stress during intense school days.

As with all things self-care, consider how these tips can work for you as a unique individual. Experiment to see what helps you feel your best, and leave what doesn’t. Here are three tips to help support your nervous system and relieve stress through nutrition.

I.

Eat regularly throughout the day. Fasting is a big weight-loss trend, but it may not be a great option when it comes to stress relief. Eating three regular meals and snacks throughout the day helps to keep blood sugar levels stable, which means less of our stress hormone, cortisol, is released in the body. Eating regularly can also prevent hanger, overeating later in the day, and stress eating or emotional eating.

II.

Eat more carbs. Another diet trend that may not be the best for stress relief is carb-cutting (think Atkins, Keto, South Beach, etc.). When it comes to reducing stress, complex carbohydrates like whole grains and starches are your friend. According to MIT, carbohydrates can increase levels of serotonin, a chemical in the body that helps boost mood and reduce stress. More serotonin also means more concentration and a more productive workday. The key is to choose slow-releasing carbs with a lot of fiber (that won’t spike blood sugar as much), such as whole grains, potatoes, and legumes.

III.

Include protein and fat with your carbs. Again, when we approach nutrition from the angle of stress relief, keeping blood sugar from spiking is a great strategy. Not only does eating regular meals help prevent this, but eating a healthy mix of protein and fat with your carbs also helps! Eating all three macronutrients at your meals can also increase satisfaction, improve energy levels, and keep you fuller for longer.

If you love teaching, but are feeling overwhelmed…

Leave a comment below - What is your go-to healthy meal during busy school weeks?