Unwind with Our Favorite Bubble Baths
Splish, splash I was taking a [bubble] bath! Whether or not you include the rubber ducky is up to you, but setting aside time for you to unwind is essential for your overall health.
How stress affects the body from our head >>> to our toes
When we’re stressed, the stress hormone (cortisol) is released into our bloodstream, providing a burst of energy, strength and focus to get through the situation. Our blood sugar rises to provide cells with energy, our blood pressure and heart rate rise to increase blood flow, and our mind turns off all of the background “chatter” to focus on the situation at hand. Short-term stress can be beneficial, but when our stress becomes prolonged and more constant it can take a nasty toll on our health.
Stress less! Why? Prolonged periods of stress may result in:
- Poor gut health and decreased immune function
- Poor sleep and inadequate rest
- Persistent low-grade inflammation
- Processed, nutrient-depleted diet
- Fluid retention
- Weight gain
- Increased fat deposition (especially around the abdomen, face and back of the neck)
- High blood sugar/worsened diabetes
- Thinning skin, bruising and slow wound healing
Did you ever notice stressed spelled backwards is desserts? How does your diet change when you’re stressed? Do you gravitate toward fast food? Skip meals altogether? Most importantly, how does your body feel? Shaky? Constipated? Fatigued?
4 Dietitian Tips to Bust Stress:
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Eat real food and create your plate with balance. Our bodies need the proper building blocks to support our hormones and feel our best. Aim to fill your plate with 50% fruits and vegetables, 25% lean protein, and 25% whole grains. And don’t forget to hydrate throughout the entire day with water (not just coffee)!
- Erin’s picks: Berries, avocados, asparagus, beets, broccoli, almonds, black beans, eggs, chicken, seafood, milk and whole-grain waffles (to name a few!)
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Disconnect from your phone. We all can relate; our cellphone is our BFF in the modern world. While awareness is half the battle, take action on how you can add more calm vibes and relaxation to your life.
- Erin’s picks: Yoga, deep breathing/meditation, going for a walk, reading, coloring (alone or with the kids!), sewing or perhaps cooking. Find a hobby you truly enjoy and commit to it!
- Supplement wisely. Once food, sleep and your environment are well-managed, consider hormone-helping supplements like vitamin D, omega-3s, magnesium and others your health care provider may recommend.
- Plan and schedule your weekly bubble bath time. Look for products using 100% pure essential oils for a heightened sense of relaxation. Epsom salt baths contain magnesium sulfate which may relax achy muscles and reduce overall stress.
Remember: Stress is a part of life, but you’re never alone! Contact your Hy-Vee registered dietitian for more ways to feed your body more good mood foods and reap the benefits — an upbeat mood and resilient mind. Find simple and stress-free recipes on Hy-Vee’s website.
Eliminate the “What’s for dinner?” daily stressor with our Healthy Habits menu program! Hy-Vee’s team of registered dietitians have you covered with our 4-week menu program. It’s complete with weekly menu plans outlining exactly what to eat for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. You also receive weekly check-ins with your dietitian, recipes and shopping lists. The easiest piece? You can do this from the comfort of your own home or office, wherever you are. Visit our dietitian resources to get started today and stress less!
*The blog articles, recipes and recommendations found on this site are not intended as medical advice and should not replace consulting with your medical provider. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.