Dr. Dan, is stress really a nutritional issue? Yes, it is. Stress can disrupt your hormones, especially cortisol. Imbalanced hormones can disrupt the gut microbiome and, consequently, 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, our reaction to life’s stresses usually determines their impact. 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 anti-inflammatory and help balance hormones like cortisol. This naturally reduces stress.

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

PLAY!

One major cause of stress is that we stop playing. We expect children to play, yet playing becomes obsolete once we reach a certain age. 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 an activity that is fun, generally without purpose, engaging, creative, and involving a lack of self-awareness and time awareness. Play is something we enjoy and want to continue doing for as long as possible. Many adults feel pressured by their obligations and believe that they cannot “waste” time on purposeless activities. However, 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; anything safe and legal is a good option. Read on for some proven stress-reduction methods.

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