Stress and anxiety getting in the way of your productivity in the workplace? Let’s face it, when it comes to our jobs, there is always something to be stressed about; last minute deadlines, endless emails, back-to-back meetings, overbearing bosses – you name it, and I guarantee that pretty much all of us would have experienced it in some form or another.
Though the occasional workplace stress is normal, and perhaps even necessary, as it gives us that adrenaline boost which in turns drives us to meet those deadlines, answer those emails, rush to those back-to-back meetings and deal with those horrible bosses. So yes, a little stress, sometimes, is required and does in fact make us more productive.
However, if your workplace stress levels have reached a point where you are burnt out, exhausted, depressed and constantly dreading going into work, then you have a problem! Over time, your productivity levels will start to drop and not to mention, your health will start to decline.
The good news is there are plenty of things we can do, starting with addressing the root of your 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 a lot of our stress and anxiety is also related to our diet and gut health.
Think about it, if you’re generally living on a diet that consists of processed foods, saturated fats, and processed 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 workplace stress, you may also benefit from some dietary changes. Start with cutting back on the foods that are bad for you, and limit them to only weekends and the occasional treats. Next, begin incorporating more whole foods into your diet that are high in vitamins and minerals, and anti-inflammatory components.
Foods to include in your diet to improve Gut Health and reduce Stress and Anxiety:
- Vitamin B rich foods, such as eggs, turkey and chicken
- Foods high in omega-3, such as avocadoes, seeds, nuts and salmon
- Magnesium rich foods, such as dark chocolate, broccoli and spinach
- Proteins, such as lean meats, beans and lentils
- 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 (the hormone responsible for stress), and will therefore be highly effective in helping you manage your stress levels, both at the workplace and hopefully, in life.
Start small, and rather than thinking about what to eliminate from your diet, try thinking along the lines of what you can add instead. A few small changes will slowly but surely make a world of difference, and once you start to feel them, more good habits will inevitably ensue.
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?
0 Comments