Any time we can reduce stress, we reduce inflammation in the body.
Do you find that sometimes things unexpectedly just pop into your day that have a great message for you?
The other day, I was returning from a trip and waiting for a ride to the airport when I spotted some papers lying on a table in the hotel lobby. I don’t know why they caught my eye, but I picked one up. It was an article from Oprah Magazine that someone had printed up and probably left behind (apparently, for me to find.)
The article was written in 2010 by Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love, entitled “The Key to a Well-Lived Life: Lighten Up!”
I was intrigued. I had just been going over ALL the things that needed to be done when I got home and was feeling a bit stressed. The title seemed to speak to what I was feeling. The author goes on to describe how most of the women she knows feel they aren’t doing enough with their lives and stressing themselves out thinking about all the things they should be doing. That rang true for me and probably many of my friends too.
Her message was this, “Can we lighten up a little [and] drop the crazy-making expectation that we must all be perfect…?” It’s so easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others and their progress and lose sight of our own accomplishments.
Just that message made me relax a bit and reflect on all the good things around me and what I have done. It didn’t change the number of items on my to-do list, but it helped put things in perspective for me.
I’m writing this in the hopes that the next time you’re feeling stressed or like you’re not measuring up to your own expectations or others, you’re able to step back a bit and focus on the positive things you have accomplished and feel good about them.
Remember, chronic stress can lead to an inflammatory response in the body. Inflammation is what causes us to age more quickly, and is a root cause of many digestive problems, joint pain, skin disorders, weight gain, and chronic disease.
Just a little something to think about. ????
Yours in Health,
Evey
P.S. Here's one less stressor for you, a recipe from my latest Cooking with Evey show, Pumpkin Chili. Comfort food and one less meal to plan! Plus, it has seasonal pumpkin and cocoa (i.e. chocolate!) in it - and it's good for you. I've also included a couple more Instant Pot recipes for you to try.
P.P.S. I found Elizabeth’s article online! If you would like to read it, you can find it using this link.
Yours in Health,
Evey
PUMPKIN CHILI
Enjoy this one-pot meal cooked either in an Instant Pot or on the stovetop! Hope this takes at least one item off your to-do list!
or follow along with Evey as she prepares the recipe in her class
