Stress Management

Stress Management

Too many of us experience stress, which, admit it, is part of everyday life. Do you find yourself frustrated about your job, family life, relationship, illnesses or money situations?

There are some people who can handle stress better than others; but they use methods to counteract their stress. These may include mind-body techniques, supplements, teas, foods, or essential oils.

In a  recent survey 50% of respondents said they had major stressful events in their life, making them feel overwhelmed and drained. If this sounds like your day…then read on to help resolve and manage that stress.

Minerals to Help Defeat Stress

During stress the minerals; zinc, potassium and chromium are lost. These minerals are needed on a daily basis to help during a stressful day.

Drink fresh juices made from veggies like carrots and greens such as; spinach, Swiss chard, collard greens and herbs like parsley, basil, ginger and cilantro; these contain many of these needed mineral compounds.

Or take some supplemental chlorophyll, a concentrated green supplement.

Vitamin C is used up daily during stress, so add some food or vitamin C powder to replace what you lose.

Pantothenic acid, which is vitamin B5, supports proper functioning of adrenal glands. Everyday stress or stressful events causes a shortage of vitamin B5.

A deficiency of pantothenic acid, if stress is long term ,can lead to adrenal gland atrophy, meaning loss of adrenal function and hormone imbalance.

This is characterized by chronic fatigue, headaches, nausea, sleep problems, exhaustion, impaired concentration and even abdominal discomfort.

Foods high in vitamin B5 are legumes, broccoli, cauliflower and salmon.

Herbs to Assist the Body When in Stress

Holy Basil is an adaptogenic herb, helping with depression, stress and anxiety. This herb also reduces the stress hormone, cortisol, which stays constantly high during stress, causes more obesity and less sleep capability. (Do not use during pregnancy)

Ashwagandha, is another adaptogenic herb, helping to support the immune system and decrease the cortisol hormone that increases during stress. Large amounts of cortisol can make you gain belly weight or give you restless sleep.

Passionflower is a great relaxer, good for depression and anxiety.

Treat Yourself and De-stress

Take a relaxing bath with some drops of lavender or lemongrass essential oil.

See a massage therapist and request a full body massage with essential oil to relax muscles and nerves.

Prepare an herbal tea and relax while you drink your brewed tea; like chamomile or peppermint which are calming.

Exercise or join a yoga class or a meditation group.

Use products to help inflammation which increases during stress. Try some turmeric capsules to help with inflamed and stressed tissue; inflammation can cause pain.

Stress can also cause more digestive upset; to help a nervous stomach try a probiotic and/or digestive enzymes.

Other essential oils to try for stress are bergamot, Ylang ylang and Clary Sage. Use these essential oils with a diffuser, in the bedroom to help you relax and sleep better.

 Sleep helps your body repair and boosts the immune system.

Remember your body may be “in stress” even though you may not realize it. Any change, even if it’s just an allergy reaction, headache, stuffy nose or joint pain your body is telling you; “I am stressed and inflamed”.

Take care of Yourself, Your Health is in your Hands.

 

References:

http://drcynthia.com/herbs-and-spices-that-help-reduce-stress-and-anxiety/

https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/can-you-eliminate-stress-with-aromatherapy/

http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/stress-weight-gain#1

https://www.womentowomen.com/adrenal-health-2/eating-to-support-your-adrenal-glands-2/

 

Cindy Burrows, B.S., M.T., Herbalist, is a Natural Health Consultant helping individuals start health programs to improve their life, wellness and happiness. Cindy is a speaker, writer and entrepreneur of several businesses.

 

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