Did you know that even happy and good changes cause us stress? Think of a new baby, a new house, a new job, a new year …
The arrival of the COVID-19 coronavirus is a huge stressor. We have had to make big changes to working conditions, home schooling children, staying in touch with loved ones via phone or digital platforms and managing tough economic challenges among others.
Even so, South Africans are doing themselves proud and adopting mask wearing, hand sanitising and social distancing. But isolation and fear of catching or passing on the virus do take their toll on our emotional, mental and relationship wellbeing. Healthy lifestyles can help us to manage this stress. Some are:
Eat healthy food.
Because carbohydrates raise serotonin levels, they act like a natural tranquilizer so it’s competent to dive into bread or muffins when anxiety rises. No problem there but check that you are also eating proteins in meat, chicken or eggs, as well as vegetables, fruit, seeds and nuts, as these are the building blocks of good health.
Exercise two or three times a week.
Exercise has been found to decrease symptoms of depression. While we do not always feel like it, just start, even if it’s a walk around the block 3 times a week. Enjoyment and motivation tend to follow once we begin.
Get a good night’s sleep.
Seven to eight hours is recommended as sleep is relaxing to both body and brain and has an important role in supporting our immune system.
If you find yourself worrying instead of sleeping, and feeling on edge and overwhelmed during the day, there are two Nativa Complex® formulations which support emotional and mental wellbeing and a good night’s sleep.
Nativa Calm Complex® can assist the body to cope with everyday emotional strain, tension and irritability. Its formulation of vitamin B, GABA and herbal actives can help the body with anxiety support, promoting calmness and enhancing focus.
Oh for a good night’s restful sleep! Vitamin B, magnesium and herbal actives in Nativa Night Complex® can support the body with restful sleep, undisturbed sleeping patterns, relaxation and reducing mild anxiety.
Available from Dis-Chem, Clicks, Takealot and selected pharmacies.
Prices: Nativa Calm Complex® around R120 for 30; Nativa Night Complex® around R124 for 30
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