The holiday season is officially here! There are so many wonderful traditions and things to enjoy about this time of year, from holiday parties and baking cookies to decorating, picking out special gifts for friends and family, and watching holiday movies. But as enjoyable as it is, it’s also easy to get overwhelmed and feel stressed this time of year. Before you shrug it off, consider the potentially negative impacts of chronic or longterm stress.
Left unchecked, stress can contribute to many health issues. Common effects of pro-longed stress include:
Headache
Anxiety
Overeating or Undereating
Muscle Tension or Pain
Restlessness
Irritability or Anger
Chest Pain
Fatigue
Feeling Overwhelmed
Drug or Alcohol Misuse
Sadness or Depression
Social Withdrawal
Insomnia/Sleep Issues
Change in Sex Drive
Stomach Upset
Change in Sex Drive
Heart Disease
Diabetes
High Blood Pressure
Obesity
Symptoms of stress can impact your health mentally and physically. At a time when our stress can be at an all time high, especially this year, how do you balance your holiday to do list with the necessary self-care to get stress under control?
Here are our top natural ways to combat stress this holiday season:
Balanced Nutrition – Nutrition is the foundation of health and wellbeing. This includes stress. Nutrition deficiencies can impact mood, stress, and anxiety, as can eating excess processed food. You can support a healthy mind and body by getting the right nutrients, including healthy fats, lean proteins, omega 3 fatty acids, B vitamins, probiotics, vitamin D, magnesium, and calcium. Set yourself up for success by starting your day with a healthy breakfast. Incorporate healthy fats like pastured eggs, avocado, wild fish, and grass-fed meats as well as lean protein and organic leafy greens and vegetables. In some cases, supplementation may be needed. Consult with your practitioner to address specific concerns, and always opt for high quality when it comes to supplements.
Drink a Cup of Tea – Feeling stressed? Calm yourself with a warm cup of tea! Our favorite relaxing teas include mint, passionflower, barley, and green tea.
Acupuncture - Research has found that acupuncture promotes balance in the nervous system, and can help people struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and fatigue. Additional, studies have found that acupuncture positively impacts brain activity, neuronal activity, and the limbic system - it actually shuts down stress regions in the brain. What’s more, acupuncture promotes restful sleep, positive mood, energy, and immune function. Ready to feel the results for yourself? Contact us now to schedule a Winter Park acupuncture session!
Tui Na Massage — Tui Na massage is a great way to pamper yourself while calming your nervous system. It also promotes healing and pain relief.
Chinese Herbs - Manage stress, boost energy, and promote balance with Chinese herbs. They can be used alone or in conjunction with other stress management techniques including acupuncture, nutritional coaching, cupping, and Tui Na massage.
Exercise - Physical activity is a great natural stress reliever. Exercise releases our body’s natural “feel good” chemicals known as endorphins. Besides helping you manage stress, exercise is also great for overall mood, weight management, and health. Try incorporating after dinner or lunch break walks, sign up for a gym or fitness classes, or get up 15-20 minutes earlier and do a home workout to start your day!.
Vitamin B12 Injections - As we age, we tend to need more vitamin B12. Deficiencies in this vital nutrient can cause many issues including headaches, extreme fatigue, cognitive and mood issues, anemia, dizziness, and muscle weakness. The most absorbable option for B12 are via injection. There are many potential benefits of getting B12 injections, especially if you are deficient. Potential benefits include reduced stress, improved focus, restful sleep, weight management, increased energy, and improved immune system function.
At Four Seasons Acupuncture in Hot Springs, AR, we offer many services to help you manage stress and promote overall health, including acupuncture, herbal and nutritional therapy, acupressure, cupping, auricular (ear) seeds, injection therapy, moxibustion, tuina therapy, and e-stim/electroacupuncture. Contact us now to schedule an appointment!
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