Are you feeling tired and stressed out? Are you relying on coffee and sugary foods to give you a much-needed boost to get through the day? Being a mum sometimes can be one of the most demanding jobs on the planet. Between changing nappies, packing lunch boxes, breastfeeding, dropping kids off to school, doing house work, driving kids to soccer, and then having to go to work …….you dont have a second to yourself, no wonder youre feeling tired and stressed. Well read on because Im going to give you some great naturopathic tips to help you feel calmer and more energetic, using herbs, nourishing foods and specific nutrients. 1. Anti-stress nutrients: Two of the most important ‘anti-stress nutrients are magnesium and B vitamins. Both of these nutrients are essential for nervous system and adrenal health as well as energy production. Magnesium is used to help improve sleep and is an important nutrient for treating anxiety. 2. Calming herbs: Herbs used to calm the nervous system and support the adrenal glands are chamomile, valerian, withania, skullcap and lemon balm. These herbs can be purchased from health food stores in tea form – let tea steep for 5-10 minutes and drink 3 cups a day. 3. Nourishing foods: Now that winter is getting close make yourself some warm porridge for breakfast. Oats have a wonderful calming and nourishing effect on the nervous system. Include plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes and wholegrain breads and cereals. Eat organic produce when you can. 4. Spirulina is a perfect addition to a busy mums diet. This super-food is rich in important minerals such as iron (needed for energy production), has immune boosting properties, is considered anti-cancerous and helps boost energy levels. Add the powder to a fresh juice or take it in capsule form. 5. Reduce stimulants: Cut down on coffee and other caffeine containing foods and beverages (black tea, cola, chocolate). Caffeine will only stimulate an already over-stimulated nervous system. You want to calm your nervous system down, so try a calming herbal tea instead. 6. Keep blood sugar levels stable: Reduce sugary processed foods that cause a sharp rise in blood sugar levels and surge in insulin. These foods give you an instant artificial boost in energy, only to plummet soon after, leaving you tired and craving more sugary foods. Including protein with each meal will help stabalise blood sugar levels and reduce sugar cravings eg. eggs, nuts and seeds, yoghurt and low-fat dairy foods, legumes, tofu and soy products, fish, organic chicken and lean meat. 7. Get regular exercise: Exercise is an important way to reduce stress levels and manage energy levels, not to mention all the other benefits associated with improving your fitness levels such as cardiovascular health and weight loss. You dont need to go to a gym e.g. go for walks pushing your baby in the pram, play soccer in the park with your kids, or walk your kids to school. Happy Mothers day to all you mums out there. I hope you all have a lovely relaxing day.