Shine Now! Magazine August - Freedom August 2016 3 Volume 1 | Page 18

We must be intentional about what we eat, our daily routine and how we care for ourselves. Natural methods of cleansing our bodies and regulating our blood pressure are often overlooked. Below are 5 actions to lower your stress: 1. Find your center. Pray and meditate in God’s word on the situation you face. It calms your mind. We try to figure it out on our own, but God supplies the answers we need in the bible and in prayer. 2. Take care of yourself so you can care for others. Exercise is a great way to lower your blood pressure. You can take out your frustrations while walking, jogging, lifting weights or cardio exercise. It will help you relax and improve your ability to sleep. 3. Pamper yourself with body scrubs in the shower, a facial, a massage or a detoxing bath. It purges the toxins built up from the stress and relaxes your tense muscles. You mind can unwind while nourishing your skin. 4. Eat clean with whole foods. A clean diet will decrease inflammation, lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Drink water with fresh lemons to add alkaline in your diet. Cut processed foods, refined and artificial sugar, trans fats, and caffeine from your diet. Cook your food coconut and olive oils, which are good fats. Eat whole grains and an extra serving of veggies and low glycemic fruits. 5. Add healing herbs to your food and drink herbal teas. Chamomile will help you relax. Passion flower, has the anti-anxiety benefit that works like Xanax without the side effects. It is best if taken at bedtime. Turmeric prevents inflammation, which is the precursor of most diseases, but do not use if taking blood thinners or aspirin without physician supervision. 18