There is certainly a lot to be stressed out about today. The economic crisis, job losses, sales revenues eroding, business tanking . . . Many people find some relief by eating something, but what you reach for may only add to your stress, not relieve it. Munching on “comfort foods” like chocolate or ice cream gives a momentary sugar rush to the brain, but this is only temporary. Soon the brain chemicals heightened by the sugar leave and the stress returns.

Stress causes many people to make poor choices about food and snacks. The nutritional depletion caused by stress makes the body cry out for replenishment, but what most people reach for is the wrong source to revitalize. Instead of reaching for candy, cookies, cupcakes, donuts or other highly sweetened snacks, we should surround ourselves with healthy choices like fruits and nuts. When properly nourished, the body is able to cope much better with stress.

Fruits, both fresh and dried, are great choices for a quick lift in mood. They are filled with antioxidants (like Vitamin C) that work to reduce the blood pressure levels that abet stress. The fruit also helps abate any sugar cravings, being a natural source of “good” sugars.

Nuts, too, make a healthy, nutritious snack. Walnuts and pecans are loaded with vitamins and the magnesium in almonds will have a calming effect. A handful of nuts can help stave off hunger when you are unable to sit down for a properly balanced meal.

When your busy schedule does allow for a proper meal, make the selections that will allay the stress, not add to it. Grandma was right when she said, “Eat your greens.” Green foods are a natural source of B-complex vitamins, magnesium and folic acid, all of which can affect moods and relax the body. Entrees can be healthful like salmon or tuna, both of which are high in omega-3 fatty acids that help regulate stress hormones.

Foods to avoid because they can cause stress are: Caffeine, alcohol and processed sugars. These will elevate the wrong brain hormones and contribute to the stress, loss of concentration and weariness. Processed foods with all the chemical additives are also on the no-no list.

Now that we have you on a low-stress-diet, here are some other suggestions on how to remove the business stressed caused by stagnant sales and declining revenues. Outsource those services that are counter-productive to a sales-driven organization. Without a sale the wheels of the factory (or any other business) grind to a halt, so it is important to maximize sales productivity. Outsourcing cold-calling services for sales lead generation and development will keep the salesmen off the phones and in front of the customers. A sales lead generation company can even make appointments, make follow-up calls, coordinate trade show invitations and perform a host of other services in which they are expert . . . the specialists.