Reduce Stress to Best Digest!
Stress and our digestion are interconnected.
Ever notice that when you’re stressed out your stomach can often feel off? Sometimes we can lose our appetite completely if our emotions are overwhelming. Other times it might seem like no matter what we eat, it doesn’t sit well. There’s no doubt about it, stress can impact our digestion in a multitude of ways.
Digestion is a delicate and important process that operates best when our body is not otherwise distracted. Distraction can include a perceived or real physical threat, the inability to stop moving, or being mentally consumed. These principles of metabolism come from our ancestral design of needing to be ready to react if under attack. This made sense because when we’re on the run from a predator, for example, it’s not the best time to enjoy a luxurious meal. While many of us no longer strive to survive, our bodies may not feel that way and if we don’t purposefully seek a state of peace, we may struggle with poor digestion as a result. Some key symptoms of digestive dysfunction include gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation and abdominal pain.
If you notice you frequently have some of these symptoms, a good first step is to adopt a “rest and digest” plan and implement the following:
-Do some deep breathing exercises going into mealtime. It can help to create a divide from any stressful situation you may be encountering and signal to the body that it’s safe to relax, allowing digestive enzymes to be produced and flow freely, ready to help breakdown the food we’re about to eat.
-Try to limit the water you drink at meals. This can dilute our gastric juices which carry the enzymes we need to break down and absorb our food. It’s best to stay well hydrated in between meals and snacks, in addition to eating hydrating foods (fresh fruits, vegetables, soups and stews, for example).
-Set the stage for a peaceful and enjoyable meal. This can include using visually appealing dishware or including lovely lit candles on the table (which you’ll sit at—I’m looking at you, single females eating over the sink).
-Whenever possible, limit the mealtime audience to the people you enjoy. Sometimes certain people or certain topics of conversation can bring about lots of stress and while this cannot always be avoided, do your best to eat around those whose company you enjoy. And if you find the conversation is bringing you down, try to redirect by suggesting other topics or asking questions that shift the focus to pleasantries
The holidays can tend to be a time of great joy but also increased stress for most of us. With that in mind, try to put some of these tips in place and prioritize your self-care. It’s in caring for ourselves that we are best able to care for and love on those around us. Wishing you happy holidays and much love.
