No RX Needed!

Many people state stress is a normal part of life. But then again, what is normal?

“Show me a normal man and I will cure him.” -Sigmund Freud

Let’s face it, the holidays are meant to be a magical time, yet many of us find ourselves weighed down by the hustle and bustle. Holiday stress is a unique beast. It can churn up feelings of anxiety, irritability and even helplessness at a time when peace and joy are the “reasons for the season”.

Our everyday stress continue to exist alongside additional pressures of getting from place to place and everything done “in time” for the holidays. Other factors such as family dynamics and financial strains can just add to the weight of it all.

A study from the American Psychology Association shows 8 in 10 people anticipate stress around the holidays due to time, money, and loneliness. In the midst of it all, let’s talk about some natural alternatives for managing stress and anxiety:

Follow Your Breath

Controlled breathing techniques can help ease a panic attack. When an attack strikes, try this breathing exercise: Inhale slowly to a count of four, wait four counts, exhale slowly to a count of four, wait another four counts, then repeat the cycle until the attack passes.

Essential Oils

By working with our limbic brain or soothing our muscles topically, essential oils are valuable helpers.

Calming: Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Lavender, Clary Sage, Chamomile, Rose, Marjoram, Neroli, and Rose geranium

Stimulating: Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Basil, Black Pepper, Birch, and Cinnamon

Mind Clearing: Orange, Lime, Grapefruit, Lemon, Holy Basil, Pine

Grounding: Cedarwood, Vetiver, Ginger, Sandalwood, Rock Rose, Holy Basil, Pine, Spruce

Comedic Relief

Go ahead and laugh your ass off. Laughter enhances your intake of oxygen, stimulates your heart, lungs and muscles, and releases endorphins. Laughter also stimulates circulation and aids muscle relaxation, both of which help reduce the physical symptoms of stress. Need some ideas? How about watching a funny movie, singing and dancing to fun music, or telling silly jokes.

Get Creative

When we engage in an act of creation, we achieve a kind of focus similar to the concentration achieved through a meditation practice. The act itself slows the pace of things and your body responds by relaxing, counteracting the effects of toxic stress.

Just Say “No”

Harness the power of “no”. Do what you can, and expend your energy on what gives you the greatest emotional return on investment. Be okay with saying no to a few things to maintain your cool.

Self Care

This can look like many things depending on the person. Self care might be exercise, staying hydrated, yoga, meditation, being grateful, getting enough sleep, eating right, scheduling you time. The basic idea is to practice daily habits that foster health and happiness in your life. Regardless of what self care may look like to you, make a commitment to put yourself first. That may sound like the opposite of the holiday spirit, but by making your needs a priority you will be happier, healthier, and in a better place to give your time and energy to others.

Do you have any tried and true techniques for the Holidays? Tis’ the season to share.

With a Grateful Heart,

One thought on “No RX Needed!”

Fashionable Librarian says:

December 21, 2015 at 4:11 pm

If stress was normal it certainly would not do so much harm to us. Somehow we have gotten so caught up in stuff that we have put our bodies at times under unnecessary pressure. Great post

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