Dr. Dan, is stress really an issue of nutrition? Yes, it is. Stress can throw off your hormones, especially cortisol. Imbalanced hormones disturb the gut microbiome, which disrupts metabolic health. Enter nutrition. Stress also impairs sleep. This is true for both men and women, but it is a more common issue for women for many reasons. This is not to blame anyone. Stress is part of life, and some stress is good for us. Stress stimulates growth. However, the impact of life’s stresses is usually determined by our reaction to them. Everyone needs methods to cope with life’s stresses. The methods you choose should be tailored to your needs. The good news is that Dr. Dan’s food plans are all anti-inflammatory and will help balance hormones like cortisol. This will naturally help reduce stress.

Please start by being kind to yourself. Being kind to yourself is the first step toward being kind to others.

PLAY!

One large contributor to stress is that we stop playing. We expect children to play, yet when we reach a certain age, playing becomes obsolete. This has been shown to be incorrect on many levels. The need to play is human and not dependent on age. Psychologists define play as something fun, generally without purpose, that is engaging and creative, and that involves a lack of self-awareness and time awareness. It’s something we enjoy and want to continue doing for as long as possible. Many adults feel pressured by obligations and think they can’t “waste” time on activities without purpose. The opposite is true: playing reduces stress, frees up our creative mind, and allows us to be more productive when we return to our obligations. So, find something you love to do and play!

The categories I discuss are not the only methods of relieving stress, and anything safe and legal is a good option. Read on for some proven stress-reduction methods.