| Stress is a very large part of life for a large | | | | sense of the word. Some people reckon that |
| percentage of people. Every day of their lives. | | | | certain foods can reduce stress levels while |
| This is a problem, because stress feeds on itself. | | | | others ought to be avoided because they elevate |
| You get stressed because you think there is a | | | | them. It is as simple as that. |
| possibility that you may not succeed at a task. | | | | In general, doctors advocate avoiding stimulants |
| This makes you worry, worrying distracts part of | | | | and depressives if you are under pressure. This is |
| your attention away from the matter on hand. | | | | because they are mood-enhancers, so they could |
| With less of your resources, less of you attention | | | | make you feel worse. This means avoiding |
| on the task, there is obviously less chance of you | | | | caffeine and alcohol. Likewise with sweet or |
| getting it done properly. In severe cases this can | | | | high-calorie foodstuffs, because they can give |
| lead to low self esteem and depression. It is a | | | | people blood-sugar peeks, which can affect your |
| vicious circle. | | | | frame of mind. |
| But we have such a lot to worry about. The kids' | | | | Seratonin is a natural chemical produced by the |
| education, the family's diet and health, obesity, | | | | brain which promotes feelings of goodwill. Folic acid |
| dieting, punctuality, finances, bill, taxes, the kids' | | | | and vitamin B are useful in the manufacture of |
| safety on the streets and on the Internet, | | | | seratonin, so foods that include these substances |
| international peace, terrorists, the environment, oil | | | | are helpful. Asparagus and Brazil nuts are rich in |
| prices, global warming... | | | | them. Lean red meat does a comparable job, |
| There is loads to worry about and the media are | | | | because it contains high levels of zinc, iron and |
| not helping by making a catastrophe out of | | | | vitamin B., even although red meat has lost |
| everything. I often think that is better not to | | | | favour with most trendy diets. |
| listen to the news or read anything but local | | | | Dairy products such as milk, skimmed is probably |
| newspapers. Nobody asked me if I thought it was | | | | the best option, and cottage cheese are good for |
| a good idea to go fighting in Iraq or Afghanistan. | | | | the same reasons, because they contain calcium, |
| We all know that people have their own methods | | | | antioxidants and vitamins B2 and B12. Red berries |
| of dealing with stress. Most individuals use a | | | | are good for providing antioxidants too. Almonds |
| combination of: organization, timetables and the | | | | are very good as well, because they contain |
| like; exercise, such as training, aerobics or jogging; | | | | magnesium, zinc, antioxidants and vitamins B2, C |
| relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga | | | | and E. |
| and massage and socializing, such as a quiet drink | | | | It is probably not possible to eat you way out of |
| in the evening. Nevertheless, there might be | | | | depression, but including these foods in your diet |
| another path to try. | | | | on a regular basis, may help you to keep your |
| Diet. Oh, no, I can hear you groaning, not another | | | | spirits up when you come under pressure. |
| blooming diet! Well, I mean diet in the broadest | | | | |