From Cortisol to Vitamin C: How Food Delivery Orders Can Help Reduce Office Stress
Posted by Sara on Friday, May 23rd, 2014 with Comments Off on From Cortisol to Vitamin C: How Food Delivery Orders Can Help Reduce Office Stress Comments
Stress is something we talk about a lot — especially in the context of the workplace — but it’s something few of us really understand. While we may think of stress as a mental condition or frame of mind, it’s actually a very physical experience… and one of the easiest ways to combat stress at work is by selecting the right food delivery orders for our mid-day nourishment.
Hummus and red bell peppers can help reduce stress.
Image source: Flickr user Abdulla Al Muhairi
It works like this: when presented with a stimulating experience (whether it’s positive or negative, from a frustrating driver that cuts us off in traffic to an exciting football game), our nervous system initiates a response. Without going into too much detail, our adrenal glands release hormones like epinephrine, norepinephrine, and cortisol into our bloodstream, each doing their part to ready our bodies for whatever action this stimulating situation might require. In most cases, it’s incredibly helpful: our lungs take in more oxygen, the arteries leading to the skin restrict to slow down bleeding in case we’re injured, and our cells that are storing energy are activated to keep our resources at the ready so we can react quickly. Our bodies are primed for action, like running away from a threat or facing down a foe (or ready to tackle a big presentation at the board meeting).
But… when we continue to feel challenged over extended periods of time, these physiological responses become exhausting. When you never stop facing challenges, from an overflowing inbox to family issues, stress can take a huge toll on the body. The good news is that there are ways to balance stress back to a manageable, productive level: both physical and mental strategies can work to help reduce stress.
Grilled salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids.
Image source: Flickr user Jeffrey Zeldman
One unexpected way to relieve stress? Through your diet! And we’re not talking about chowing down a big bowl of ice cream at the end of a long day (which might make you feel comforted for a little while, but has other health implications that are best avoided). Rather, there are certain foods rich in certain vitamins and minerals that can boost the production of feel-good, stress-relieving neurotransmitters, like serotonin, which need to be replenished after an energy-depleting experience that’s high in stress.
Broccoli and tofu will deliver magnesium and vitamin C.
Image source: Flickr user Stacy
Some of the best vitamins and minerals to target are vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folate, magnesium, vitamin C, tryptophan, and omega-3 fatty acids, all of which are involved in reducing the negative effects of stress. When you’re in the midst of a stressful day at work, count to ten and reach for one of these stress-reducing food delivery orders:
Hummus with sliced red bell peppers (vitamin B6, vitamin C)
A turkey sandwich with avocado on whole-wheat bread (tryptophan, vitamin B6, fiber for sustainable energy)
Spinach salad with grilled salmon (omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium)
Plain yogurt topped with blueberries (vitamin B12, vitamin C)
Stir-fried tofu with broccoli and bell peppers (magnesium, vitamin C)
Grilled chicken with asparagus (vitamin B12, folate)
Whatever stress-busting food delivery option you choose, online ordering and prompt delivery from Waiter.com makes placing and receiving your lunch the easiest part of your day!
When it comes to feeding employees and coworkers, make your company's food program really count! If your workplace dining plan needs to take it up a notch — or if you don't have one at all — Waiter.com is here to help. From Virtual Cafeteria Service to diverse menus to local takeout & delivery, Waiter.com offers customizable dining solutions for every business and budget. Contact us today to get started!
