Coping With Stress

At this time of year, there is a lot of focus on gratitude. We are asked to search for things to be thankful for – even when the holiday season leaves some of us with a stronger sense of loss and grief. Finding gratitude during seemingly joyous times might feel like stepping on land mines for others.

With small practices, cultivating a mindset of gratitude is not impossible. Read on to find out some of the advice our practitioners give for those who are wanting to grow into a practice of gratitude and mindfulness for healthy moments in our lives throughout the year.

Being mindful, saying thank you, sharing a blessing, pausing for prayer; each of these are ways to show gratitude for the abundance we receive. Even in challenging times, traumatic times, acknowledging something positive can be a mental health strategy that helps in the healing process.

Nervines are a class of herbs that help support the nervous system. In our fast pace, anxiety filled world that has consumed us in the last 6 months. Nervines can help be the calm of the storm.

You may benefit from nervines if:

- You are burnt out from over work

- You worry too much and can’t turn your brain off

- Your sleep is not restful and you are sleep deprived

- You have experienced trauma and are having a difficult time coping

Perched gently on top of your kidneys are your adrenal glands! These amazing little organs produce adrenal hormones that help to regulate your bodily functions and to respond to stress. If you are constantly under stress, your adrenal glands work “over-time” and can become depleted.

People with adrenal fatigue experience a level of fatigue that is not relieved by a night’s sleep. Attempts to stay alert with caffeine, sugar and other stimulants work temporarily, but more and more of these products are needed, and eventually do not help. It becomes harder and harder to get out of bed in the morning.

Your adrenal glands release hormones on a daily basis in a rhythmic pattern to maintain your blood sugar levels, to assist your metabolic function and to keep you energized. Some of the hormones that the adrenal glands produce are cortisol, epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine, all which orchestrate a “fight…

Eat a whole foods, well-balanced diet. - Remember, food is medicine. When we are stressed or overwhelmed, it is easy to slip out of a healthy diet. This is very normal! When life is busy and stressful, tap into your quick and easy recipe bank.

Take a break from caffeine and alcohol- While coffee isn’t bad (spoiler alert!), we want to make sure we are benefitting from the caffeine for mood and energy purposes while not being too heavily reliant on it which can also contribute to anxiety and insomnia. Alcohol can be an immediate stress reliever but overtime can reduce resiliency. Try taking a break for 1-2 days per week.

Stay active/ Move your body daily. - Exercise is one of the best stress relievers! Listen to your body for clues on what type of exercise is right for you. Some people like a more vigorous activity, while others…