There’s lots of uncertainty these days, it’s almost become a given in our lives. So, it’s no wonder people are feeling pressure.

We face constant daily stressors that can negatively impact our well-being if we don’t learn how to navigate our way through them or avoid them altogether. Because without a way to overcome the influence stress has on our bodies, our lives will become less vibrant and less meaningful – and, frankly, shorter.

In recent years, there has been what I would call a “mini-mindfulness” revolution. Maybe such a phenomenon has occurred as a reaction to our uncertain, busy lives? People are looking for ways to overcome the constant stress. To find a balance between work and the pressures to succeed, while finding time for play and to let off steam. Not to mention making sure we are remaining present for our family, and those we care about.

For me, following a healthy routine helps avoid the stress that is trying to creep into our psyche. It starts with simply breathing, giving myself time to deeply inhale (though the nose) and exhale (through the mouth with pursed lips), when stress appears. It allows my body to do a quick meditative reset that can get me back on track.

I also make time for a walk every day. It’s an invigorating way to recharge and work through any stress I might be feeling, one step at a time. Walking gives me time to think longer thoughts and maintain my attention span. As much as we might enjoy technology and the impact it’s had on our lives, it also is constantly interrupting us. And those interruptions can become a source of stress. That’s why a simple walk, maybe without your phone, can be so beneficial and invigorating.

There’s also interesting science occurring now that is creating a paradigm shift in how we think of stress and mental well-being. In the past, it made sense that we would focus on the brain – and that’s what scientists have been doing for the past 200 or so years.

But what we’re understanding now is maybe the brain shouldn’t be our primary focus. Rather what we are experiencing in the brain is a secondary effect of something that is happening elsewhere in the body. Incredibly, our brains are being affected by our gut – which we now refer to as our second brain.

There are trillions of bacteria in our gut. And these bacteria can affect the way we feel because when our gut is working properly, it produces more serotonin and dopamine than the brain does.

Serotonin and dopamine play important roles in how we feel, in our mood, in our ability to think and plan. But it doesn’t stop there. Our gut experiences oxidative stress as well. When we become stressed, free radicals take aim at our cells, causing damage at the cellular level.

But the good news is that we can positively impact our brain by improving gut health. Not only will fermented and other probiotic-rich foods enrich your gut, but so will Nutrilite® Stress Relief Probiotic. It’s a new product that helps bridge the nutritional gap in our guts while promoting stress relief.*

It’s one more way to prepare yourself for the daily stressors that have become so common in our lives.

These simple habits— practicing mindfulness, deep breathing, walking in nature, and nourishing your gut-brain axis—can provide serious support so stress doesn’t sap the joy out of your days. They work for me, and it’s a good bet they will work for you. After all, when it comes to your health, prevention is your shield and action is your armor.

Cheers,

*This statement has not been reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.