Staying Healthy During Times of Stress

[Amelia Bentrup]

I'm writing this while taking a break from packing. My family and I are in the midst of getting ready to move 1400 miles away in only a few days. Lately, I have been really pondering how we can maintain our health and during this time of transition. After all, cooking is very challenging when trying to use up the pantry and freezer without replenishing supplies. Eating and cooking whole foods is more difficult when time is short, and equipment is slowly being packed up.

However, despite these challenges, I have managed to come up with a few tips for helping us during this time of transition.

• Planning ahead for meal-times is essential...not only to plan meals around ingredients we already have, but to make sure our equipment is out and easily accessible. Focusing on nutritionally packed foods such as lentils, good quality meats, eggs and organic vegetables is essential. In my experience, eating processed convenience foods just adds to the stress and makes everything worse. These foods are all very simple to prepare.
• Yogurt or kefir are also very quick, "fast* foods, which are very important. Normally, I make my own yogurt and kefir, but during this time of transition, I've been buying it.
  
• My food processor will be the last thing to be packed. "Green" smoothies with kefir, frozen fruit, kale and coconut oil are quick, easy and can even be consumed while working or packing.
  
• We need EXTRA nutrition, so I have been making sure all family members are taking super food supplements like cod liver oil. We have also been taking dried liver capsules in lieu of whole liver, as it is much simpler and can be easily packed up and taken with us.
  
• Vitamin C is also very helpful during time of stress. I've been taking around 3000 mg/day (in the form of sodium ascorbate powder).
  
• Making exercise and movement a priority is so important. During times of stress, our bodies go into "flight or fight" response...we crave movement.
• Sunshine and Vitamin D is essential during times of stress. Making time to get outside and get some sun, even if only for 20 or 30 minutes a day makes a big difference.
  
• Making time each day for prayer or meditation is also very, very important.
• Herbal infusions can help increase energy. I like to use nettle or basil (not at the same time). Generally I prefer nettle, but I've been using more basil lately, since that is what we have on hand right now.
  
• Make sleep a priority. During times of stress, insomnia can set in. Keeping a regular bedtime is important. No matter what needs to be done, I make a point of being in bed by 10:30 PM, and taking the last hour of the day purely for relaxation.

• Honey (preferably raw and local) at night before bedtime helps with sleep.
  

I hope you find these tips helpful!
Amelia Bentrup
http://www.my-home-remedies.com