AAC
WELLNESS & SAFETY Surviving the stress of the session
leading to various health problems. Tankfully there are more stress management strategies than you can “shake a stick at.” I will discuss three of those strategies, which can help you through the session as well as other stressful times. Te key to the following stress management strategies is planning. I am all for spontaneity. However, healthy habits do not just happen, and a lack of planning can create more stress. A little bit of forethought will go a long way. Here are some suggestions and ideas to help you with the
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stresses of the session and life in general: Be careful what you eat and drink. Your mind and body
work more efficiently when you feed them nutritiously. Sugary foods and drinks may give you quick energy, but that is almost always followed by “the crash” that will leave you on edge. Caffeine in coffee, tea, and soft drinks can increase jittery feelings, impair your concentration, and keep you awake at night. Alcohol is a depressant in large quantities, but it acts as a stimulant in smaller quantities. Neither scenario is helpful in stressful times. Here are some foods and drinks that you may want to incorporate into you daily life and why: • Nuts — Stress depletes Vitamin B. Snacking on nuts replenishes those B vitamins. Potassium in nuts can lower blood pressure, relieving the strain that stress puts on your heart.
• Bananas — Bananas are high in potassium and B6, both mentioned above. Tey also can calm sugar cravings.
• Cashews — Tese nuts are high in zinc, an essential mineral that may help reduce anxiety.
• Herbal teas — Chamomile, peppermint, and ginger are soothing to the digestive tract and can calm that “nervous stomach.”
• Hard-boiled eggs — Te yolk has the essential nutrient choline, which supports memory. Eggs also have tyrosine, an amino acid that improves alertness and memory.
• Oranges — Oranges are high in vitamin C, a great cold fighter. Vitamin C can also lower the stress hormone cortisol by lowering inflammation.
• Seeds — Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and flax seed are great sources of magnesium, which
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he new year brings a new Legislative Session. Te months leading up to the session — and the session itself — can be stressful. Stress can wreak havoc on a person physically and emotionally,
regulates emotions, alleviating depression, fatigue, and irritability.
• Water — Dehydration leads to higher cortisol levels, making it harder to deal with everyday issues. Stress can cause dehydration and dehydration can cause stress. Drink at least 64 ounces of water daily. (According to
webmd.com, a good rule of thumb is ½ ounce to 1 ounce for each pound that you weigh. A person that weighs 150 pounds should drink 75- 150 ounces of water daily.)
Becky Comet AAC Member Benefits Manager
Physical activity is a stress reliever. Stressful situations
increase stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol in your body. Physical activity can break down those hormones and restore your body and mind to a calmer, more relaxed state. Exercise increases the blood flow throughout your body and can help you think more clearly. You do not have to take up some strenuous sport or activity. Walking, cycling, swimming, and dancing are good examples of exercise that will relax your muscles and your mind. Anything you enjoy and that gets you moving for about 30 minutes a day is beneficial. Plan time in your day to get some physical activity. Your 30 minutes of activity is better if you can get it all in one setting. However, that’s not always possible. Sometimes carving out 30 minutes during those long days with a multitude of meetings and late night strategy sessions is simply not an option. Alternatively, you can plan to make the most of every opportunity that you have, no matter how long or short it is. Park a little farther away than usual and walk to your destination. If you need to meet with someone one on one, ask if they mind walking while you talk. If the weather will not allow you to walk outside, then walk around the Capitol or other indoor setting. If you have numerous phone calls to make, walk while you talk. If you are back in your county at your own office, you can still be active. Do not sit at your desk all day. Get up, walk around your courthouse, and say hello to people for a few minutes. Plan to do that every hour or two for the health of it.
Get enough sleep. When you sleep your body repairs, rejuvenates, and rebuilds itself. Experts recommend six to
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