Energy is something we all need, if that be for sport, recreation, or like me; just to get out of bed!

Most of us at one time or another also experience levels of stress, be it from work, relationships, financial issues, (getting out of bed) or reading about the amount of doom and gloom that seems to be sensationalised in the media these days. Many of us perhaps don't realise the connection between the two though.

Your body's reaction to stress includes increased heart rate, production of adrenalin from adrenal glands, your rate of breathing increases, glucose is released via breakdown of liver/muscle glycogen, and the pancreas releases glucagon.

These processes, along with several others, all require the body to use energy. This is perhaps one of the reasons why stress can rapidly lead to lethargy, fatigue and eventually exhaustion.

Stimulants such as tea, coffee, chocolate, nicotine, sugar drinks, and amphetamines are some of the things people turn to (even at a subconscious level) to increase energy levels during times of stress. These however are just a quick fix, and before you know it, your back to feelings of fatigue, or even worse, you end up being so wired-up that people turn to relaxants such as alcohol, sleeping pills, tranquillisers etc.

Peoples perception of stress is that it's an inevitable part of the frenetic pace of life we lead, within the society we inhabit. I'm not entirely convinced this is true, as I believe all stress starts in the mind, and once you understand this, one can take steps to consciously control stress. However, that's perhaps for another article.

For now, assuming most of us will at some point or another have to deal with your body's natural reaction to the stress trigger (your mind) then here are a few things to consider.

Keep your stimulant intake to a minimum, or stop them altogether. Consider using natural stimulants such as fruit, ginseng and tyrosine. Do some exercise! Doing regular exercise will actually give you more energy in the medium and long term. It's very hard to feel stressed or low when you exercise.

Even a walk can make a big difference to your state of mind. Give your body plenty of energy giving nutrients such as the B1 B2 B3 B5 and B12 vitamins, minerals such as iron,copper and magnesium, vitamin C and co-enzyme Q10.

Eat slow releasing carbohydrates and be nice to each other! So if you’re feeling a little stressed, then try Implementing some of the above and you might just end up being as cool as me!

Until next time...you know where to come

 — Ant —