We live in a world of stress and the holiday season is typically more stressful for most people. A Healthline study showed that 62% of the surveyed people had increased stress during the holidays and only 10% said that holidays don’t increase their stress.
We have many triggers in our society:
· We live in financially difficult times
· Poor relationships
· Prior emotional traumas
· Loss of loved ones
· Feeling of loneliness
· Struggling with illness
· Trying to compete over the holidays
According to the American Psychological Association 2017 study, the top three concerns, out of a larger list, for most Americans are:
1. State of the nation
2. Money
3. Work
Stress causes a cortisol increase which has both short and long-term complications, including:
· Elevated blood sugars
· Increase in blood pressure
· Weight gain
· Pushes us to make poor decisions
· Increasing the likelihood of getting sick
· Bloat and fluid retention (there goes that sexy outfit)
· Reflux disease/gastric ulcers
· Fatigue
· Sleeplessness
· Anxiety
· Depression
· Skin conditions (like acne which cause more stress for many)
· The inability to enjoy the holidays
Here are my TOP 20 stress-free holiday tips:
1. Be present and stay present
2. Learn to say no
3. Use an extended support system
4. Pace yourself over the holidays (don't overcommit)
5. Acknowledge your feelings
6. Remember less is often more
7. Find balance
8. Make sure to take ‘YOU’ TIME
9. Get a good night sleep
10. Exercise
11. Get out in nature
12. Meditate
13. Get a massage
14. Read a book
15. Incorporate humor
16. Learn forgiveness
17. Make a game plan
18. Follow a budget
19. Have realistic expectations for a wonderful holiday season
20. Remember to eat right and take your supplements
Here is a list of some of my favorite supplements for stress:
· B complex (a must for fighting stress)
· Magnesium ( a calming electrolyte which is depleted with stress)
· Ashwagandha (Indian ginseng for adrenal support)
· Rhodiola (treats anxiety, fatigue and depression)
· Asian ginseng (long history of supporting the adrenals)
· Magnolia (improves mood)
· Valerian (relaxing effect)
· Bacopa (used in Ayurvedic medicine for anxiety)
Take the time to enjoy family, friends and yourself over the Holiday Season.
Wishing you a happy, healthy, safe and VITAL Holiday
~Dr. Dave, Venus and the Oasis Integrative Medicine TEAM!
© 2018 Dr. Dave's Food & Wellness, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Disclaimer
This blog is for informational purposes only. It is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a licensed, qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice.
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