By: Karen Cino, Naturopathic PhD, Master Herbalist, CNHP, Masters in Nutrition, Advanced Digestive Health Specialist
We all want to love the holidays. But sometimes it’s hard. We have to be careful that holiday joy is not replaced by holiday stress. Hectic home, social and work schedules can lead to excess stress and anxiety.
When stress builds up, all of the body’s systems are affected. As stress increases, our breathing becomes faster yet shallower, which stimulates our nervous system and induces a stress response. This releases cortisol to give us a boost in those stressful situations. However, too much cortisol causes sluggish digestion, chronic inflammation, impaired immunity, weight gain and more--the last things we need in the middle of winter, or any time of year, for that matter.
To reduce stress and help make the season bright, try these seven natural remedies:
1. Deep breathing is a powerful way to immediately calm your nervous system. With each breath, allow any tension in your body to slip away.
2. Exercise relieves stress in many ways including helping to regulate adrenalin and cortisol, two of our body’s main stress hormones. It also forces us to breathe deep (see above).
3. The Bach Flower Rescue Remedy works to calm a person and Olive will relieve exhaustion. Put of few drops of each into a little water and take a sip whenever you feel your spirits or your energy flagging.
4. With parties and family get-togethers throughout the holiday season, we often overindulge. Plant based digestive enzymes can be beneficial if you have been treating yourself to rich, creamy foods and are paying a price as it hits your digestive system.
5. Adaptogenic herbs help to increase the body’s resistance to stress, fatigue and anxiety. They help to increase resistance to stressors and restore normal physiological functioning.
6. With a busy holiday schedule you may find yourself skipping meals or eating junk food. Eating complete proteins gives our bodies all the amino acids necessary help keep our mood steady.
7. Lower your expectations for yourself. Shopping, socializing, school pageants, driving hundreds of miles to grandma’s house…really? You cannot expect to do everything well during the holidays. Reduce stress by making a daily to-do list and consider skipping those items that aren’t as important.
With the right support we can control stress, keep ourselves healthy during the holidays, and enjoy the season to the fullest.
Contact us if you need suggestions to help manage holiday stress. Mention this article and receive 20% off any products purchased.
Karen Cino, PhD
Karen loves to help people find their way back to health and wholeness so they can live their full potential.