It's not enough to simply say, "eat better" or "take a spa day". You need practical, powerful strategies that you can easily incorporate into your life to create calmness and alleviate anxiety.

Here are three ways you can start managing stress right away:

Have a go-to meal.
Rather than running to the nearest vending machine, eat a meal that will recalibrate your body and re-energize your mind. When you encounter stress, your body goes into fight-or-flight mode and this causes your blood sugar levels to skyrocket as glucose is redirected from the bloodstream to your muscles. Most likely, that excess sugar stays in our system, which can lead to mood swings, weight gain, and other health problems over time. So, make your next meal or snack sugar-free and low in starch. Leafy greens are a great source of magnesium, a natural anxiety-buster.

Find free-flow movement.
Think of stress as blocked energy - something that needs to move through and out of your body so you can be at ease. Physically, these energy blocks can manifest as a stiff neck, back pain, digestive issues or skin breakouts. Mentally and emotionally, symptoms can include insomnia, anxiety, restlessness and difficulty focusing, anger, memory lapses, self-judgment and panic attacks. Fortunately, you can use movement to unwind your mind and return to a state of calm and relaxation. During periods of stress, avoid intense physical exercise. Instead, performing movements that are low and slow and connecting your body with your breath can help you pull away from that anxious edge.

Listen to your stress.
Chronic stress is a symptom of having an unresolved problem, an overly demanding schedule, or unhealthy lifestyle habits. Most people treat stress as the problem, often through medication or food abuse. Rather than relying on stress management techniques, take the opportunity to identify and address the root cause of your stress. The goal is to be present with your stress so you can understand and master it.