Stress Relief Tip of the Week-November 16, 2009

So often when we are stressed, we turn to caffeinated beverages like colas and coffee to give us the energy to keep us going. Unfortunately, the caffeine can be more detrimental to your health when the stress is piling up. Although caffeine can increase your energy level, it also increases your heart rate and respiration and can cause anxiety, the jitters, insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, and nausea, which can ultimately increase your stress level. Caffeine also acts as a diuretic and can actually cause you to lose more water than you gain by consuming the caffeinated beverage. This can lead to dehydration. Dehydration will cause you to be more lethargic and to lack the energy you need to get through your stressful situation.

So my recommendation is to skip the caffeinated beverages and choose water, or caffeine free herbal teas. Your body will thank you and ultimately, you will be able to face the stress much more effectively.

Tags: stress relief, Stress Relief Tips