The COVID-19 pandemic has turned the world upside down, and it’s easy to feel alone, overwhelmed, and stressed out.
To wrap up Stress Awareness Month (April) here are tips to carry with you for the rest of the year, because stress management is a vital aspect of any health routine.
Oxidative Stress
Free radicals are neutralized by antioxidants. When the ratio of free radicals to antioxidants becomes imbalanced, excess free radicals can cause damage and push the body towards a disease state. This physical damage is called oxidative stress. Interestingly, anxiety is thought to be correlated with a lowered total antioxidant state (i.e. increased oxidative stress). By reestablishing optimal antioxidant levels, you may be able to improve your physical and mental health.
Vitamin C and E, Coenzyme Q10, and Alpha Lipoic Acid are common antioxidants found in foods and supplements that can help achieve this balance. Selenium, a mineral found in food and supplements, is required to activate your body’s “master antioxidant” called glutathione. Did you know that ~30% of the population has a mutation in their glutathione-related gene that requires additional selenium intake?
Heavy Blankets = Less Stress?
Gravity Blankets have an interesting (and science-backed) approach to mental wellness with their weighted blankets. These blankets utilize “deep pressure touch stimulation” (1, 2) which increases serotonin and melatonin (relaxation hormones) and decreases cortisol (stress hormone).
In fact, 72% of participants in a 2019 study reported deeper, more restful sleep during the night when using weighted blankets and 76% reported falling asleep faster. Since stress and sleep often have a negative cyclical relationship, this reported sleep improvement is a major win for anyone trying to reduce stress and lower cortisol.
We’re partnering with Gravity Blankets so that you can save 20% off your own weighted blanket:
Anti-Anxiety Nutrients
Your general diet and specific targeted nutrients have been shown to influence stress and mental health.
- A study completed on medical students in 2011 showed that omega-3 supplements may help reduce anxiety.
- A psychiatric study suggested a link between probiotic foods and a lowering of social anxiety.
- A study in women showed potential for essential fatty acids, vitamin C, B vitamins, and magnesium to have a positive impact on stress levels.
Overall…
Stress comes in many forms and “optimal stress management” looks different for every person. Whether your solution is certain nutrients, practicing positive affirmations, or exercise, the key is to find what works for you.
We polled the Rootine team to learn our favorite ways to reduce stress:
- “Endurance or HIIT exercise, depends on the mood!”
- “I love my Gravity Blanket, it feels like a hug.” - this started our partnership with GB
- “I meditate every morning for 15 minutes.”
- “I’ve started prioritizing sleep. One less TV show = way better next day.”
- “Stress audits are a life-changer. You list your stressors, cross out the easy ones, and plan around improving the others.”
- Weirdly, I love doing yard work!” - (you’re invited to our house, any time)
About Rootine
Rootine creates science-backed daily vitamins formulated precisely for your body based on your DNA, blood level, and lifestyle data. We deliver exactly what you need, direct to your door.
