Let’s face it folks, Holidays can be a stressful time for anyone, especially in today's society, with all the problems Americans are facing in this difficult economy.  More and more people are
suffering from negative stress. Stress takes a toll on our daily lives! It’s a well known fact that can lead to high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease, anxiety and depression, among other
problems.
 
Here’s a list of some of the most effective natural stress reducers.  I hope you find them essential to creating and maintaining a balanced, self-preserving lifestyle!

1. Passionflower
Passionflower may long have been considered a “folk remedy” for anxiety and insomnia,
but studies have shown that the herb may actually be comparable in effectiveness to benzodiazepine drugs, which are used to treat stress, anxiety, asthmas, fibromyalgia, symptoms of menopause and sleep disorders. It is believed that passionflower works by increasing levels of a chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. This lowers the activity of some brain cells, making you feel more relaxed. Passionflower
is available in a variety of forms, including infusions, teas, liquid extracts and tinctures. It is not recommended for children or for women who are pregnant or nursing. Consult your doctor before adding it to your diet, especially if you are taking other medications.
Here’s a good link for purchasing passion flower on Amazon!  You will also find the extract at many health food stores.  I believe the pure extract is best.  Use as directed in teas, coffee and
other beverages.  http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=herb+pharm+passionflower
 
2.  Organization
Organization offers a sense of control and peace of mind, and there’s a number of ways you
can improve in this regard. If you’re the kind of person who’s always running around, it can help to make lists so that you remember everything. If you’re the kind of person who feels edgy in their own house, tidy up. Studies have shown the mere sight of clutter can put us on edge and cause symptoms of nausea!
 
3. Meditation
Mindfulness or meditation, only takes 15 to 30 minutes a day!  It’s best to do this early and often to get a great – relaxed start to  your day, which is possible even with a packed schedule. Make the Time!!!!!!!  The easiest way to do this is JUST DO IT! Whoever you are serving within your family unit...be it your kids, spouse or caring for aging parents, meditation is a FABULOUS GIFT TO YOURSELF and a SERIOUSLY beneficial way to center yourself to be the best you so you are able to care for others.  It’s also incredibly affordable, considering the only tool you need is your own mind!  Just give yourself some silent time to let your thoughts run free or just focus on your breathing. That small amount of peace in your day can help
you deal with stress, center your mind and beat the bitchies;)
 
4. Massage
This is kind of a no-brainer, right? Everybody loves a massage. But did you know that
it’s been used as a stress reliever for thousands of years? Historically, the Chinese used massage to open blocked energy channels (chakras)  in order to improve health and Hippocrates, the “father of western medicine,” used friction for physical healing treatments. Today, we use massage to relax tense muscles, reduce pain and improve circulation, which can all do wonders for the mind.  I’ve found the new “Foot Massage” places that popping up all over, usually cost around $39 bucks for the hour and actually do your whole body while you are clothed! Go in your sweats or something really comfortable....and prepare for an hour of intense pressure point massage from your head and scalp down to your toes!  Very affordable and again, a great Holiday Gift to yourself (or from someone else).  Drop the hint! (Show this article to the gift-giver for back-up).

5. Exercise
Honestly, I know this is a foreign word to many.....including me at times, but is so
essential to getting well....mind, body and spirit!  Whether it’s yoga, walking, Tai Chi, Zumba,
running or hitting the gym, exercise works much in the same way as meditation because it gives you the time to be alone with your thoughts (or an opportunity to let them go). However, exercise also has the added benefit of releasing endorphins into the brain, which improves your mood. It also prevents obesity and other health problems, giving you less to be stressed about.
 
6. Eating healthy
Studies clearly show that junk food can make us depressed (not to mention overweight) so
clean up your diet. Healthy foods like whole grains and protein can improve your mood and give you long-lasting energy to tackle everything that comes your way during the day. Foods that are especially effective for stress-busting include blueberries, salmon and almonds, according to scientists. Also, put down that extra cup of coffee. While studies have shown that
some coffee during the day can offer health benefits, too much caffeine will make you jittery and anxious, and eventually lead to a crash.

7. Sleep
Sleep is the most important natural stress reducer of them all! Too little sleep leaves us cranky, irritable and on edge....or moody, as we may sometimes be lovingly referred to. Too much sleep can leave us sluggish and depressed. Try to find the right balance that allows you to feel well-rested and ready for the day. Promote better sleep by establishing bedtime rituals that signal to your brain that it’s time to fall asleep, avoid exercise in the three hours before sleep or take a warm bath or shower. Certain foods can also promote sleep, such as carbohydrates, bananas, peanuts, figs, dairy and - of course, a certain holiday favorite - turkey. These foods all contain tryptophans, a precursor for creating melatonin. However, avoid having a large meal close to bedtime, because it may result in indigestion, reflux or heartburn. 

I sincerely hope you won't say no to at least TRYING some of these 7 Ways to reduce stress....YOU'RE WORTH IT!  Maybe it brought a little insight into some of the causes and effects of stress...and a few good ways to help reduce it!  Don’t think you have to tackle all of these at once, try one or two, make this your holiday gift to yourself! Give it one solid month and see how you feel.  If it’s working, continue it and maybe incorporate one or two more into
your life.   
Blessings to you & yours this Holiday Season and Always!  
If you need additional information or would like help with an “Organized” plan, please e-mail me using my contact form or leave your comments here.


 

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I have always been extremely passionate about food.  As a little girl at age 5 I received my favorite toy!  You guessed it....The Easy Bake Oven!  I remember my mom helping me flavor things & put pretty decorations on top of my cakes , you know, the kind you peel off a sheet of paper.  After I mastered my new toy I wanted to play with the real thing...and so, my love of baking began.


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