Eat Well = Live Well

Some stress is what’s called good stress (eustress) and some stress is called bad stress (distress).

Eustress is what energizes us and motivates us to make a change. It gives us a positive outlook.

Distress is stress that negatively affects you.

When there is a lot of bad stress, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

Between juggling work, family, finances and other commitments you can become too stressed out to the point where your mental and physical health and suffer greatly.

That is why it’s so important to set time aside to unwind, focus on the present and enjoy life!

It takes practice learning how to manage your stress but when you do, your quality of life will increase tenfold.

Here are 10 ways to reduce your stress:

1. Exercise

Working out regularly is one of the best ways to relax your body and mind. Plus, exercise will improve your mood. But you have to do it often for it to pay off. Focus on setting fitness goals you can meet to keep your motivation. Most of all remember that doing any exercise is better than none at all!

2. Relax Your Muscles

When you are stressed, your muscles get tense (fight or flight). You can help loosen them up on your own and refresh your body by:

• Stretching
• Enjoying a massage
• Taking a hot bath or shower
• Getting a good night’s sleep

3. Deep Breathing

Stopping and taking a few deep breaths can take the pressure off you right away. You will be surprised how much better you feel once you learn to breathe better. Just follow these 5 steps:

• Sit in a comfortable position with your hands in your lap and your feet on the floor (or lie down).
• Close your eyes.
• Imagine yourself in a relaxing place. It can be on the beach, in a beautiful field of grass, or anywhere that gives you a peaceful feeling.
• Slowly take deep breaths in (through nose) and slowly breathe out (through mouth).
• Do this for 5 to 10 minutes at a time.

4. Eat Well

Eating a regular, well-balanced diet will help you feel better in general. It may also help control your moods. Your meals should be full of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and lean protein for energy. And don’t skip any meals! It’s not good for you and can put you in a bad mood which can actually increase your stress.

5. Slow Down

Life can get so busy and sometimes we just need to slow down and relax. Look at your life and find small ways you can do that. For example:

• Set your watch 5 to 10 minutes ahead. That way you will get places a little early and avoid the stress of being late.
• When you are driving on the highway, switch to the slow lane so you can avoid road rage.
• Break down big jobs into smaller ones (set and do top priorities).

6. Take a Break

You need to plan on some real downtime to give your mind time off from stress. If you are a person who likes to stay busy and a workaholic this may be hard for you at first. But stick with it and you will look forward to these moments. Restful things you can do include:

• Meditation
• Yoga
• Tai chi
• Prayer
• Listening to your favorite music
• Spending time in nature

7. Make Time for Hobbies

You need to set aside time for things you enjoy. Try to do something every day that makes you feel good and it will help relieve your stress. It doesn’t have to be a huge amount of time, even 15 to 20 minutes will do. Relaxing hobbies include things like:

• Reading
• Knitting
• Doing an art project
• Playing golf
• Watching a movie
• Doing puzzles
• Playing cards and board games

8. Talk About Your Problems

If things are bothering you, talking about them can help lower your stress. You can talk to family members, friends, a trusted religious leader, your doctor, or a therapist.

And don’t forget about the almighty self talk. In order for self-talk to help reduce stress you need to make sure it’s positive and not negative. So listen closely to what you are thinking or saying when you are stressed out. If you’re giving yourself a negative message, change it to a positive one.

9. Go Easy on Yourself

Accept that you cannot be perfect, no matter how hard you try. You also cannot control everything in your life. So do yourself a favour and stop thinking you can do so much. And don’t forget to keep up your sense of humor. Laughter goes a long way toward making you feel relaxed!

10. Eliminate Your Stressors

Figure out what are the biggest causes of stress in your life. Is it your job, your relationship, your finances? If you are able to identify what they are that is half the battle. See if you are able to eliminate them from your life or at least reduce / manage them better.

In keeping with stress management tip #4 (eat well), we have a premium flavoured recipe for you: Steak with Asparagus and ZEG Sauces. And to reduce your financial stress for this fantastic meal, your local Lococo’s has a great sale on AAA Prime Rib Steaks for $9.99 / lb and Asparagus for $2.77 / lb. Eat well and live well with this delicious well-balanced meal! Enjoy!

Savour the Flavour!

🥩 ZEG sauces are a multiple use condiment sauce that can be used on any food around the world.

🥩 You can use ZEG sauces for basting, marinating, spreading, as a side dipping sauce, or dressing) the options are unlimited.

🥩 Use ZEG sauces on everything from chicken, pork, and beef to vegetables, rice, and tofu.

Click Picture for ZEG Recipe

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Click Picture for Sale (Mar. 2 – Mar. 6)