Tips For Reducing Stress

Reducing StressA little bit of stress can be a great motivator, but in excess it is extremely bad for your health and can cause both physical and mental issues. While you would never want to remove stress from your life entirely, reducing it to appropriate levels and learning how to manage it well is a good idea.

 

Exercise helps build a healthy body which is more resilient to everyday stress as well as providing natural endorphins that improve your mood. You can start with simple things such as walking more or cycling to work, but many people find that choosing an organised activity helps them to commit to the process. Ensure that you have the decent gym wear and equipment for your chosen activity before you start, or your discomfort may add to your stress levels. Don’t be afraid to try something out before committing to a longer programme, though. Many places will hire equipment to you for taster sessions before you sign up for a longer period.

 

Getting involved in an exercise group or sporting association isn’t the only way to reduce stress by making connections. Any positive association with an organisation larger than the individual is closely associated with mental resilience. This is a useful tool for dealing appropriately with stress. You could join a club, society or group that is based on an activity you enjoy or want to learn. Alternatively, see if you can spare some time to volunteer for a cause you believe in. The interaction and social benefits will reduce stress from isolation or lack of purpose, and helping others raises endorphin levels.

 

Another way to feel connected is to make time to get outdoors. Spending time in the open air, particularly while walking, is a great way to reduce stress, especially if you do it on a regular basis. Even outdoor spaces in a city will help, although if you can access some countryside or coast you will feel the benefits even more quickly.

 

If lack of time is one of the reasons you feel stressed, organisational techniques may help. By planning your time and breaking tasks into time-bound chunks, you can make even the most daunting schedule manageable. This does require some willpower to stick to the schedule, though, and you should build leisure time into your plans to facilitate this.

 

Don’t feel that time to relax is wasted; it is essential for your health and performance levels. It should therefore be as much of a priority as the other things on your schedule. Similarly, though, don’t let your planned leisure time overrun into your scheduled work. The guilt and panic this is likely to produce if tasks are not completed because of it will only lead to more stress in the long run.

 

You should also make time to get enough sleep. Sufficient sleep is vital for handling stress well, and it is important to address any poor sleep habits early to minimise stress-related insomnia and prevent a vicious cycle from developing.

Healhty Eating Tips

Healthy EatingPeople with cancer often need to follow a healthy diet that includes lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grain and modest amounts of dairy and red meat. If you are undergoing chemotherapy, you need to keep your strengths up to deal with the side effects of your treatment. This can be quite a challenge, especially if you didn’t have a healthy-eating lifestyle before you were diagnosed with cancer. Here are some healthy eating tips that all cancer sufferers should know about.

Eat lots of proteins

Your healthy eating diet should include extra calories and protein as well as eggs and low-fat milk. If you cannot chew or swallow properly, add a little gravy to your food to soften it up. It would be better to eat low-fibre foods in order to prevent diarrhoea.

Starchy food

Starchy foods such as rice, cereals and pasta are great for providing you with carbohydrates, which are converted into energy. In fact, starchy foods should make up about half of the food you consume. Rice, pasta and wholegrain cereals are high in nutrients, calcium, iron, and B vitamins. However, if you suffer from constipation or diarrhoea, it is best to consume these foods no more than three times a week.

Aside from a healthy diet, you should also think about a comprehensive cancer insurance plan that pays towards your medical expenses. This type of policy can be used in a variety of ways to defer the cost of treatment. To decide which plan is the most suitable for your needs, you may first assess the overall cost to benefit ratio. It is worth discussing this with a reputable insurer in order to determine which policy is most suitable for you.

Eat when you can

While you are undergoing treatment, it is important to eat plenty of proteins and calories to help your body rebuild the tissues that are damaged by cancer treatment. Most people simply don’t have any appetite in the morning so they end up skipping breakfast. Although this is not healthy, as a cancer patient, you may eat only when you have the biggest appetite. If you cannot eat breakfast, try drinking liquid meal replacements or fresh fruit juice followed by a good portion of fish and vegetables for lunch. You should stick with foods that you can eat more of but don’t forget that your body needs extra protein and calories for energy.

Don’t worry if you cannot eat all day or fill up your plate with large portions of fruit and veg. Talk to your dietician for more ideas on healthy foods that you can include in your diet. Remember to drink plenty of water on days when you cannot eat much. An increased intake of fluids (between 6 to 10 glasses a day) will prevent dehydration and make you feel fuller for longer.

Stay away from sugary foods

Most people in UK consume far too much sugary foods and drinks. Not only can these contribute to tooth decay, but you will also gain weight, so instead of sugar, opt for honey and maple syrup as healthier alternatives.

Reasons Why Children Need a Multivitamin

A child’s nutrition has a major impact on their growth and development. Without the necessary vitamins and minerals, the child is at risk of developing a number of physical and mental problems. Here are some of the benefits of taking a children’s multivitamin.

Helps picky eaters
Most young children do not understand the value of eating a well-balanced diet. Some would love a diet that is filled with an abundance of ice cream and cake. A daily multivitamin will come in handy for the kids who have a difficult time in eating enough fruits and vegetables.

Stronger immune system
In order for a child to develop a strong immune system, they must obtain the necessary nutrients. Taking a multivitamin will help to prevent the flu and the common cold. The extra nutrients will also help any wounds to heal a lot quicker.

Strong bones
It is critical that a child obtains the optimum amount of calcium and Vitamin D. A daily children’s multivitamin will ensure that their bones remain strong and healthy. Taking a multivitamin in the winter time is especially beneficial to bone health.

High level of energy
Most children love to stay active. If a child is experiencing a decrease n energy, there is a good chance that they are dealing with a vitamin deficiency.

Good brain health
The various children’s vitamins and minerals affect a child’s performance in school. One of the most neglected brain-enhancing minerals is iodine.