Stress can affect mood, energy level and sex drive, contribute to heart disease, gastrointestinal problems and hormone imbalance, and wreak havoc on your immune system. Here are four stress-busting strategies:

1. Eat healthy carbs. Stress triggers the body’s production of cortisol, which leads to a spike in blood sugar. Fluctuating blood sugar levels can zap your energy and lead to food cravings and fatigue. Eating “good carbs” like whole grains, high-fiber cereals, beans and sweet potatoes, as well as cutting back on processed baked
2. Go green (and orange). Deeply colored fresh vegetables and fruits are great sources of key vitamins, including B complex, C and E, and minerals such as manganese, selenium and zinc, which help support our metabolism and regulate hormones. Top choices include citrus fruit, berries, cantaloupe, red and green peppers, and dark-green leafy vegetables (think spinach, kale and Swiss chard).
3. Say om. Research shows that yoga helps combat stress just as well as cognitive behavioral therapy, combining many of the same benefits (breath work, muscle relaxation and meditation) with the addded benefit of toning and stretching your muscles.
4. Get a solid night’s sleep. Aim for no less than seven hours a night. Studies have linked poor sleep patterns with increased stress (and obesity). Go easy on the caffeine and alcohol, and avoid tobacco — you’ll sleep more soundly.

Tags: Anxiety, Biology, Endocrine system, energy level, Health/Medical/Pharmaceuticals, heart disease, Hormone, Immune system, Immunology, Medicine, Stress, Stress and immune system, Sympathetic nervous system