1)      Get enough sleep – no one handles stressful situations better when they are tired. A wise person once told me “there’s no such thing as a cranky baby – only a tired mom.”

2)      Get some exercise every day – 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily, even when you don’t think you have time to do it, relieves stress and tension and can enhance sleep, too.

3)      Eat your protein  - when small amounts are consumed every 2- 3 hours protein stabilize blood sugar. When blood sugars get too low, most people get grouchy and irritable.

4)      Eat your veggies – even though our soils are depleted and our produce contains far less nutrient now than it did 50 years ago we need to get as much quality nutrition from our food as we can. Food should provide the base for our nutrition.

5)      Avoid caffeine. People who feel like caffeine gives them energy are very addicted, according to a recent study.  Caffeinated (and decaffeinated) beverages drain calcium, magnesium, B vitamins and vitamin C out of our bodies. These are all nutrients that are essential for stress-coping.

6)      Avoid alcohol. Alcohol burns up your B vitamins, creates fuzzy thinking, and interferes with quality sleep. Avoid using alcohol as a stress-coping (stress-escaping) mechanism.

7)      Take Stress Formula (nutri-calm) which has all the B-complex plus vitamin C in it, or Liquid B12 Plus, and maybe even some extra Pantothenic acid. The B-complex has long been recognized as important in the function of the nervous system and helping to cope with stress. Never take B complex tablets on an empty stomach or with hot or caffeinated drinks. The side effects for doing so are very interesting!

8)      Add CalMag plus D, and perhaps some extra Magnesium Complex. Always take calcium supplements at bedtime on a mostly empty stomach for best absorption.

9)      Take time off and away from the stress. Whether this means getting a massage, going for a walk, or leaving town for a weekend getting away from stressful things often gives us time to think more clearly and come up with a game plan to reduce the stress.

10)   If applicable, make to-do lists. Prioritize the things on the list in order of importance and deadlines. Complete one task before moving on to the next so things can get crossed off the list and you can measure your progress.

Judith Cobb