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Acupuncture
Stress, frustration and unresolved anger can cause a disruption in the flow of qi or energy through the body. These energetic imbalances can throw off the immune system or cause symptoms of pain, sleep disturbances, mood changes, abnormal digestion, headaches, and menstrual irregularities, and, over time, more serious illnesses can develop. Acupuncture treatments can correct these imbalances and directly effect the way you manage stress.
Nourish your Spirit: Meditation
The word "meditation" comes from the Greek word that means "to be mindful." The practice of meditation is a proven stress reducer, and can help you tame your mind and overcome anxieties, agitation, and habitual thought patterns. The regular practice of meditation creates a continuing sense of well being, leaving us feeling confident and calm.
Create a quiet, relaxing environment, with comforting items (candles, incense, art that has a spiritual importance to you, etc.) around you.
Sit upright on a cushion with legs folded, or in a chair with your feet firmly planted on the ground, allowing for free and easy breathing. Relax your shoulders and gently place your hands on your knees or in your lap.
Tuck your chin in slightly and keep your eyes half open, your gaze softly focusing downward about four to six feet in front, and your mouth slightly open.
Observe your breath. Try belly-breathing - not breathing with the chest, but from the navel. Don't accentuate or alter the way you are breathing, just let your attention rest on the flow of your breath.
The goal is to allow the "chattering" in your mind to gradually fade away. If you're distracted by a thought, gently bring your mind back to your breathing. You can do this by reciting "I am breathing in" on the inhale and "I am breathing out" on the exhale.
Continue to focus on your breathing for 10 or 15 minutes. Stay relaxed, yet awake and attentive. Finding your balance there is not easy!
Eventually as your body understands what you are doing, meditating will become easier to enter into. Remember to be gentle and patient with yourself. Meditating for even 5 or 10 minutes can have a powerful effect on your day.
Nourish Your Body: Stress-Busting Foods
1. Blueberries (Vitamin C & fiber)
Vitamin C is important to helping our body reduce tension, while fiber helps to regulate our blood sugar levels. Drastic changes in our blood sugar can cause us to have mood swings, which may contribute to anxiety.
2. Dark green vegetables (Potassium)
They are also high in potassium, which is especially good for calming our nerves. Like blueberries, these are also high in fiber, which not only controls blood sugar but aids in digestion.
3. Oranges (Vitamin C)
4. Sweet potatoes (beta-carotene, vitamins & fiber)
They are rich with beta-carotene and other vitamins, and again, the fiber helps your body process the sugar and carbs more slowly.
5. Fish (omega-3)
Those diets that are high in omega-3 essential fatty acids protect against heart disease, keep the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline from peaking.
6. Apricots (Magnesium)
They are rich in magnesium, Vitamin C and fiber. Magnesium is a natural muscle relaxant, which can help reduce tension in our muscles.
7. Turkey (L-Tryptophan)
Have you ever felt super relaxed after a big Turkey dinner at Thanksgiving? There's reason for that: Turkey contains an amino acid called L-Tryptophan, which releases serotonin - a feel-good chemical - into our systems. L-Tryptophan has been proven to provide a calming and relaxing effect.
8. Nuts (Vitamin B & E)
Nuts are great stress reducing foods. Almonds, specifically, are loaded with both Vitamins B and E - known to boost your immune system, and walnuts and pistachios help reduce tension and lower blood pressure.
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