In my last post, I delved into the mental-health benefits of escaping for stress-relief, and how something so simple as watching TV for awhile, will help relieve stress and tension in your life.
In this post, I’m going to dive into one of the best ways to relieve tension & help you ‘escape!’
The wonders of good FOOD!
It goes without saying that our bodies need good nutrition in order to feel good. But think beyond that…
[SCENE]
Imagine running errands for 2 or 3 hours after eating a “good” breakfast. But 4 hours later, I’m hungry. I’m thinking about my next stop, and it’s right next-door to a Hamburger joint that recently opened. I’d only eaten there once, but I can still remember that burger. Actually, I can almost ‘taste’ it! It’s not like the normal, everyday fast-food burgers. It was dressed with fresh tomatoes and lettuce and the best cheese! Okay, that’s it. I’ve made up my mind. Burger from ‘the new place!’ (Still, fast-food, but “good” fast-food, right?)
So, I complete my errands, then run into the new burger place, order, & decide to eat in the car, while listening to my favorite music.
Half-way through the meal, I realize, this wasn’t a good idea. In the first place, the burger doesn’t taste like I’d remembered. For another thing, more red meat wasn’t supposed to be on my menu for lunch in the first place! But, I finished the burger anyway, and drove home, over bumpy roads, through traffic, driving fast on the Interstate…Pull into the driveway, park and realize, I have indigestion.
[NEW SCENE]
Now, Imagine on a Saturday afternoon, changing from house-slippers into shoes, anticipating lunch, because I’m meeting a friend at one of our favorite restaurants. I’ll spend about $5 or $10 more because it’s a “nice” restaurant. But I already have an idea of what I’m going to order, because I’ve eaten there once before.
You can probably, already guess that after that meal, I’m going to feel a lot better than if I’d eaten a hurried fast-food meal.
Thing is…
Food has the power to transform your day ~ for more than one reason!
- Nutritious food is better for you, so it makes you feel better. (Duh!)
- The social interaction that occurs when you’re eating something that tastes really good, something you’re enjoying, will just simply, make you feel better. You may even, be eating alone, but you will want to tell somebody!
- Good food causes us to think of those we love, for some reason. It reminds us that we are blessed, even if our current circumstances aren’t what we’d like.
And The endorphins released in our brains, when we feel good and when are enjoying the moment, bring that feeling we all want and need.
For more information, visit “Laughter & The Brain.”
Lesson? Be good to your mouth! Eat well. Avoid over-eating, because that will only make you feel bloated.
Take the time to
Prepare nutritious food, and prepare yourself to enjoy it!
Next up, you’ll discover the wonders of another easy-to-use boost for your mental wellness.
Until then…
Cynthia
Email ~ Wellness@cynthiapreston.us
HopeisFree.net
