Besides taking a toll on our bodies mentally and physically, stress can also take a toll on our diets, whether it be by changing the foods that we eat or the quantity that we consume. So, stress management is important for us for many reasons.

According to registered dietician-nutritionist Kim Kulp, stress impacts how our guts and our brains communicate. Specifically, stress can alter digestion, causing bloating, abdominal pain, the rate at which food moves through the intestines, and changes in bowel movements. In addition to altering digestion, stress can also cause us to either stop eating, eat more, or choose those less nutritious junk foods that can bring a sense of comfort.

If you find yourself experiencing a lot of these symptoms of being stressed, it’s important to take steps to reduce that stress and get back to normal. Some simple ideas for reducing stress include spending time with friends and family, following a self-care routine, reducing caffeine intake, deep breathing, or getting in some daily exercise.

Remember the top ways to manage your stress:

  • Plan your day. 
  • Stick to your plan.
  • Balance work and play. 
  • Ask for help when you need it.
  • Use the positive energy of stress. 
  • Deal with problems as they come up. 
  • Eat healthy. 
  • Get enough sleep. 

 

We’ve written lots about stress on the Fill Your Plate blog! To read more, check out these articles.


Additionally, we’ve written articles on mental health on azfb.org. 
 

Editor's Note: We cover the mental health issue on an ongoing basis for our farmers and ranchers and our members in general. Stay tuned to the articles we provide on this topic.