BALANCING ACT

STRESS TAKES A HOLIDAY

The Myth: Holidays as they look in an old-fashioned print...filled with beaming, happy faces. The Reality: Holidays in the modern mode, long lines at the mall, non-stop shopping, jam packed day planners. The Result: STRESS! Stress is an unavoidable part of life, but during the holidays we have the double whammy of physical and mental stress. The holidays can also bring a certain amount of sadness and loss. It's a vulnerable time of year because you are suppose to be so happy... This can stress the body and the mind. Stress Compromises Health: Researchers estimate that 80% of all major illness is due to stress. Signs associated with stress, include fatique, headaches, irritability, withdrawel, lowered sex drive , insomnia and elevated blood pressure. Stress means the adrenal glands are taxed to the max. The adrenals are flight or fight responders releasing adrenaline and cortisol. Short term that is protective, especially if you are running from lions and tigers and bears....Oh My! But in our day and age ...we are often sitting at a desk and cannot do anything with the energy this response produces. Stress becomes chronic and our immune systems become compromised.

The Morning After..... It is the morning after Thanksgiving and we had the traditional festivities at our house this year. Even though the house was filled with love and laughter after everyone arrived.. the preparation time was another story...just the stress of shopping for and  preparing a meal for fifteen plus people and running around stuffing the closets ( trying to disguise that we are undercover slobs) took its toll. My husband and I were bickering, the oven became possessed by demons and burned the pies, the fridge would not hold all the leftovers and the ton of dishes that still await me...overwhelming. I am definitely feeling the aftermath today. This inspired me to share some natural approachs to STRESS RELIEF. Above all remember to eat right, exercise, get restful sleep and take time to BREATHE.

DEEP BREATHING RELAXATION and MEDITATION

Take some nice, deep, cleansing breaths. You will be amazed at how it will relax and energize you and at the same time, clear out negative thoughts and toxins and metabolic waste. Oxygen will also go to every cell in your body including your brain to nourish it. During the holidays we like to fantasize about pleasant things, especially family get togethers... it is important to have a good reality check. In my family there is usually one holiday a year that turns into a game of  dysfunctional family fued...remind yourself how it was last year and do not set or live by illusions of how it ought to be. When it comes to being with our family we sometimes regress and can fall into old roles. Just think positive, do not try to change things you have no control over and try to accept everyone with love and kindness. I try to remember...I love them, I love myself, it is not about me....so do not take it personally.

MOTHER NATURES BOUQUET

GINSENG: Enhances the body's response to stress, decreases anxiety and restores vitality. VALERIAN: Relaxes tensed up mucles and promotes restful sleep. PASSIONFLOWER: Promotes sleep and relaxation. SKULLCAP: Reduces anxiety and nervousness.

RITUAL RELAXATION BATH

As I am croning I have found I have less patience with small children among other things. So after a day with the Screaming Meanies, the dog jumping all over everyone, the phone ringing off the hook, a few people having one too many Guinness, possessed ovens, burned pies, sticky hands and spilled drinks...And chanting, Dear God, make me a bird,so I can fly far, far away!( from Forrest Gump). I armed myself with the CALGON. I took two valerian, made myself an eggnog with a little Crown Royal and nutmeg, threatened to hex anyone that came near the door and retreated into the bath tub. I lit my candles and  soaked in the hot water and visualized how it ought to be and forgot how it was....Watched the stress go down the drain, went to bed, made love, oooh la-la and Oh! I can barely wait for Christmas....So Mote It Be.

Stop and take time to smell the roses.

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Dedicated to "MY FAMILY" we put the "FUN" in Dysfunctinal, Love you Guys! I am so glad we are a bunch of "FRUITCAKES" just think we could be NORMAL!