Health For Your Mind and Body

Beating Holiday Stress - The Natural Way

Life is stress. Every day you face some type of stress. Stress is how you react to a person, object or event. But your reaction depends on how you FEEL or how you PERCEIVE the person, object or event. Just because we experience stress doesn't mean it has to control your life. Stress, in moderation, can be positive.

Your body needs a certain amount of stress to survive optimally. With too little stress you are bored, tired, restless, overwhelmed, and prone to illness. However, with the right amount of stress, you are productive, energetic, creative and healthy. Your body sends out warning signs when we are experiencing too much stress. Some of these signs may include headaches, sleep disturbances, difficulty in concentrating, short temper, upset stomach, and job dissatisfaction. By listening to you body's warning signs you can learn when you body needs relaxation. 

It is important to recognize the face that everyone is different. This means that everyone has a different capacity for the amount of stress they're able to endure. Stress management is about finding the healthy balance of stress that is right for you.

However, with all the commotion of the holidays approaching, you make be experiencing more stress than what you're used to. This time of year marks the beginning of planning holiday parties, decorating, purchasing gifts, and the list goes on and on. Unfortunately, 'Happy Holidays' often means managing the magic with a migraine. Believe it or not, there are ways to enjoy the holidays without getting too stressed out. 

The best advice to follow during the holiday season is to  BE NATURAL

• Breathe deeply
• Exercise - 20 minutes, three times a week MINIMUM. 

• Nutrition - eat 3 well balanced meals
• Attitude - stay positive
• Time management - set priorities and say no if you don't have time
• Uniqueness - treasure your own unique qualities
• Relaxation - take time for yourself
• Association - maintain contacts with a nurturing support system
• Laughter - The BEST medicine!

This time of year it's especially important to take care of yourself in order to stay healthy and manage your stress.

Happy Holidays! I hope they are happy and healthy! 

xoxo 

Nikki