We All Have Stress In Our Life! Here are some tips to help you DE-STRESS!

Anyone out there feeling a bit of stress this time of year? 

Now that Christmas has past and a new year has begun, this is the time of year that alot of people find that they are stressed!

Some of you have made New Year’s Resolutions that you are trying so hard to keep. Some of you have lost family members this past year and are greiving. Others are in financial strain due to job loss, and because this year the weather has gone crazy on us and been quite gloomy with not alot of sunshine  happening, this has contributed to stress for many people and some may be feeling a bit down in the dumps too. 

Perhaps you miss your family or your holidays didn’t go as planned, or you are dealing with sick children or taking care of someone else who needs your help. No matter what, it is called “stress”! And if it’s not dealt with, stress can actually make you sick and worse it can actually kill!

There are so many factors that can affect our health and stress unfortunately has a major impact on our lives. A bit of stress is actually good for us as it keeps us on our toes and challenges us to do things we may not otherwise do, but it’s when we get too much stress where we are in “a fight or flight” stage all the time, that can be very dangerous to our health. You can begin to run on “empty” and just like a car can’t run without gas, neither can we. 

In times of stress, our bodies use up Vitamin C very quickly and that is why many people tend to get sick. A suggestion would be to either supplement with Vitamin C on a daily basis as it is a water soluble vitamin. That means that what you don’t use, your body will eliminate. In most cases, we only absorb approximately 500 mg at one time.

Did you know that you are more prone to outbreaks or skin rashes or flushes when you are under stress? Did you know your blood pressure rises too. Some people experience stomach issues, brain fog, memory issues, heart palpitations, irritability, fatigue and inability to sleep too. Numerous other symptoms can also show up unexpectedly. Pay attention to your body signals. It never lies. 

So what can you do about it? Here are a few tips:

1. Add foods to your diet that are rich in Vitamin C like oranges, apples, yellow peppers, chili peppers, spinach, brocolli and lemons.  
2.  B vitamins are very important when we are under stress as they have so many different metabolic actions in our body and again, and are essential for our nervous system. They are a water soluble vitamin and which means that they are not stored in our bodies the way our fat soluble Did you know that you are more prone to outbreaks or skin rashes or flushes when you are under stress?  Eating grains, and nuts and seeds that are rich in Vitamin B’s is essential in times of stress or you could supplement with a Vitamin B Complex.
3.   Make sure you are eating mineral rich foods too. Having a good greens drink may help, but eating a good array of nuts and seeds, hemp hearts and dark chocolate are good sources too. You can also supplement with a good mineral supplement, if need be. Magnesium is one of your best minerals for stress, anxiety and depression too. Most people are deficient in this important mineral so make sure you are getting enough.
4. Did you know that you are more prone to outbreaks or skin rashes or flushes when you are under stress? Omega 3 fatty acids in capsule form or Omega 3 fatty acids in liquid form are very important for mood balance, our heart, skin, hair, and colon as well. Eating fatty fish like salmon or sardines a few times a week is usually sufficient, but you can supplement with a good fish oil as well. Make sure it comes from small fish like sardines, anchovies or/and mackarel. If you are vegan or vegetarian, you can try an algae oil or flax oil to get your essential fatty acids. Remember, essential fatty acids are very important for our brains as our brains are made up of 60% fatty tissue. It needs good fats. 
5.  Avoid sugary drinks as sugar can deplete your immune system.Clean, fresh drinking water is best and you can also incorporate some herbal teas like chamomile tea,  or tea containing passion flower help calm you down a bit.
   Avoid alcohol or excessive alcohol intake when under stress.  It’s good to be aware of your choices and how it affects your stress. Alcohol is not good for stress and disrupts sleep as well.
6.  Avoid junk food and make healthier food choices. For example, you really want that bag of chips or that box of chocolates is really tempting you right now. Try having some healthy snacks in your fridge at all times. Think of vegetables like celery, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, radishes, cherry tomatoes. Keep some cut up and serve with hummus or a yogurt dip. Try eating a small amount of nuts or seeds when you start craving something sweet. They usually help balance out your blood sugar instead of spiking it.
7. Drink enough water. Often times when we think we are hungry between meals, we really are just needing a glass of water. Next time, try it and see if your craving goes away. It may or may not. Everyone is different.
   Keep busy doing something you enjoy. Skiing, snowboarding, walking, snowshowing, reading, writing, knitting, drawing, scrapbooking, sewing, etc. Call a friend and see how they are doing. Basically moving your attention off of your own problems, sometimes helps you realize that you are not alone and can take your mind off of your problems.
8. Exercise is huge for mood and when we are stressed, it’s a really good idea to get outdoors and take a brisk walk for about 30 minutes, 3-4 times a week, especially when you really don’t want to. That’s when you really will benefit from it. Walking is one of the cheapest forms of exercise and the only thing it really costs you is your time. Thinking you don’t have time, you do. It’s called prioitizing. Make it a priority.
9. Get enough sleep. Getting sufficient sleep is so important in times of stress. Our bodies need sleep in order to rejuvenate. Avoid T.V., cell phones, computers and too much excitement before bed. Too much stimulation from “blue light” affects our ability to fall asleep naturally. Keep electronic devices out of your bedroom. Charge them in another room.
10. Try using an oil diffuser in your living room or bedroom and use a scent like lavendar to help calm and relax you.
11. You could also try epsom salts  as they are rich in magnesium which also helps with relaxation and sleep.
12. Take time for you. Say “no” to things that do not bring “JOY” to your life!
13. Take up a new hobby or take a short trip somewhere or meet your friends for a coffee and support one another. 

It’s really the small things in life that can make a big difference. Start small. 

I've listed a few supplements below that you might want to check out, if you are on medication please check with your health care practioner before starting anything new.

• Vitality Relax+
• Healthology Stress-FX Stress Formula
• HAVNlife Rhodiola Relief
• Reeliv 5 Anti Stress
• St. Francis Herb Farm Ashwaghanda
• Bach's Rescue Remedy

There are many others available at my store, you can just search "stress" to find more formulas.

Remember if you need further help you can also book an online consultation or phone consultation with me by emailing me to set one up. More information available in Services