Are stress and anxiety getting in the way of your productivity and day-to-day tasks? Let’s face it, there is always something to be stressed about; last minute deadlines, endless emails, back-to-back meetings, school drop offs and pick up etc – you name it, and I guarantee that pretty much all of us are experiencing it in some form or another, and these are under the best of circumstances.

Though the occasional stress is normal, and perhaps even necessary, as it gives us that adrenaline boost which drives us to meet those deadlines, answer those emails, rush to those back-to-back commitments and so on. So yes, a little stress, sometimes, is required and does in fact make us more productive. What about however, during these uncertain times? Needless to say, I’m pretty sure that our stress and anxiety levels are heightened and we’re definitely feeling the effects of that cortisol spike.

The good news is, there are plenty of things we can do, starting with addressing the root of our stress and working from there. Other things include, taking breaks when feeling overwhelmed, asking for help when needed, and learning to delegate if the option is available. What many of us don’t realise however, is that much of our anxiety is also related to our diet and gut health.

Think about it, if you’re living on a diet that consists of processed foods, saturated fats and refined sugars, then it is safe to assume that your gut health is not at its best, which in turn will affect your overall mood, energy levels, and eventually contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety.

So, in addition to managing your stress, you may also benefit from some dietary changes. Start with incorporating more whole foods into your diet that are high in vitamins and minerals, and anti-inflammatory components. Then work on limiting the bad stuff.

5 Foods to include in your diet to improve Gut Health and reduce Stress and Anxiety:

1. Vitamin B rich foods, such as eggs, turkey and chicken
2. Foods high in omega-3, such as avocadoes, seeds, nuts and salmon
3. Magnesium rich foods, such as dark chocolate, broccoli and spinach
4. Proteins, such as lean meats, beans and lentils
5. Gut healthy foods, such as yogurt, sauerkraut and kimchi

To name a few, all these food items are known to reduce cortisol levels in the body, and will therefore be highly effective in helping you manage your stress and anxiety levels during these uncertain times.

Start small, and rather than thinking about what to eliminate from your diet, try thinking along the lines of what you can add instead. Once you start to feel the effects, more good habits will inevitably ensue. And, if at all possible, try pairing your new eating habits with a few more easy lifestyle changes, such as adequate sleep and more daily movement.

For recipes, check out the yufeed app and let’s get started right away!

Also read our related blog posts:

What is Gut Microbiome & Why is it Important?

January Blues & Anti-Inflammatory Foods

7 Benefits of Eating Oats