October 28th, 2015

Stress Before the Fall
By: Katrice Mayo, MS, RD

Are you feeling stressed out?
Are you worried about - the job, your child's new school year, or if this new diet you're trying will finally work??

We live in a society that is constantly on the go...rushing through daily activities such as meals, work,  getting children to school, exercise at the gym etc..!

Chronic stress can lead to serious health problems such as:

• Depression

• Heart Attacks

• Hair Loss

• Insomnia,

• Weakened Immune System

• Weight gain / Increase Belly fat from "comfort foods" etc...

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Therefore, it's important to enjoy quiet time daily -  and to  be okay at times with doing nothing!
Below are some relaxation techniques for you to enjoy this fall.

• Plant a Fall garden or enjoy your local outdoor farmer's market.
  

• Take a walk or run daily to clear your mind.

• Stretch daily for at least 10 minutes.

• Go on nature hikes or for a walk along the beach.

• Host a small backyard tea party.

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References Cited:

1. Balog M et al.  Sex-Specific Chronic Stress Response At the Level of Adrenal Gland Modifies Sexual Hormone and Leptin Receptors.  Croat Med J. 56(2): 104-113.  April 2015
   
2. Tomiyama A et al.  Comfort Food is Comforting to Those Most Stressed:  Evidence of the Chronic Stress Response Network in High Stress Women.  Psychoneuroendocrinology.  36(10) 1513-1519.  November 2011.