Are you feeling overwhelmed by the holiday season and in need of some stress relief?
Look no further than one of your favorite treats – dark chocolate! Not only does it satisfy your sweet tooth, but it can also help reduce stress levels. But how does it work?
Dark chocolate contains several components that contribute to its stress-reducing properties. Firstly, it contains magnesium, a mineral known for its ability to promote relaxation and calmness. Magnesium helps regulate cortisol, a hormone that is released under stress and can lead to anxiety. By keeping cortisol levels in check, dark chocolate can help you feel more at ease.
Another stress-fighting ingredient found in dark chocolate is flavonoids, powerful antioxidants that have been shown to have a positive impact on stress levels. These compounds can enhance mood, reduce inflammation, and improve overall well-being. By consuming dark chocolate, you give your body a boost of these beneficial flavonoids, which can help combat stress.
Additionally, dark chocolate stimulates the production of endorphins, which are natural chemicals in the brain that promote feelings of pleasure and happiness. When stress takes its toll, indulging in a small piece of dark chocolate can trigger the release of these endorphins, resulting in an uplifted mood and a sense of relaxation.
While dark chocolate can offer stress reduction benefits, it's important to consume it in moderation. Opt for high-quality dark chocolate with minimal added sugars and focus on savoring small portions. It's also worth noting that dark chocolate is not a substitute for professional help when dealing with chronic or severe stress.
So, the next time you feel stressed, reach for a piece of dark chocolate and let its magical properties work their charm. Treat yourself to a moment of indulgence while providing your body with some stress relief. Remember, when it comes to managing stress, a little bit of dark chocolate can go a long way.
Do you have a favorite dark chocolate holiday treat? Drop a comment and let me know!
If you'd like some more tips about reducing stress, let's stay connected!
Hi there.
I’m Nina. Welcome to my brand new blog! I’m so excited you’re here! This will be a place where we can connect and do life together! I’m an open book…I love to share how I live life post-autoimmune disease. Yup…I’m an autoimmune survivor. In 2003, I was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune condition. Long story short, western medicine failed me and I turned to alternative treatments. It was a long road to remission, but I haven’t had an autoimmune episode in 16 years!
Four years ago, my husband and I took a huge leap of faith and moved from the city to the country. We left the hustle and bustle of Southern California for the peace of the Pacific Northwest. We left our traditional jobs and started a ministry. Life has certainly been VERY different! We work from home in the most beautiful corner of the world. Rather than sitting in gridlock traffic daily and longing for trips to the beach, I have time to garden, hike, bake bread, and help others learn about how to support their health naturally.
I do many things to support my health in order to stay in remission! I believe simplifying my life and reducing stress has been helpful for my immune system. Stress takes a toll on our overall wellness…I believe a toxic level of stress was the original trigger for my autoimmune disease.
I’m a realist…you might not be able to sell everything you own and move next door to cows and chickens…lol! It’s ok if you don’t even want to! Reducing stress and simplifying life can look like many different things.
* It can look like saying, “No" to new commitments when your schedule is full.
* It can look like reveling in simple pleasures like a quiet cup of tea or a delicious cup of coffee.
* It can look like taking a bit of time for yourself to do something you enjoy…a walk…a yoga class…read a chapter out of your favorite book.
* It can look like clearing clutter from your home to simplify your environment.
* It can look like starting the day with prayer and spending time in God's Word.
Being intentional about reducing stress can be difficult at first. The more we do it, the better we get at it...kind of like exercising a muscle. But it is critical to our heath! The stress hormone, cortisol, actually weakens our immune system when it stays heightened for long periods of time. Reducing stress actually strengthens our immune system!
What are some measures you take to simplify your life?
Want to learn some more ways to support your immune system naturally? I have a free guide for you!
Click the link and I'll send it right over!
