Stress, Traditions, & Finances!
For some, the holidays are breezy and fun. To others, holidays bring impending doom. Family expectations, Stressful relationships, and overspending all top the list of why holidays aren't always fun.
Does something need to change? Or is all well?
As a health advocate, I want to remind you that YOU have the power to choose what is best for you! Feeling obligated to do anything that is not within your means will not bring you the peace and joy that you deserve.
Here are my top tips for preparing your mind, body and soul for the months to come:
1. If hosting the family is too much or financial means don't allow it, then do something different. Maybe a cocktail hour, make the dinner a pot-luck style (everyone signs up and brings a dish), or simply meet at a neutral space and share the expenses. Financial drain should not be the cause of your stress! The economy changing means we all need to be more mindful of this!
2. Don't expect the lows and no's to work. Low-calorie, no-calorie food substitutes do not work. Eat real food and curb your hunger! Also, eating real food and consistently providing your body nutrients is HOW to keep from binge eating treats, and overdoing it on the sugar!
3. Extract your sweet tooth! Sugar is one of the most severe offenders. Sugar in all its forms negatively affects the body. It can suppress the immune system and increase blood pressure, diabetes, fluid retention, and hyperactivity, in adults as well as children!
4. Get your exercise! Keep to your exercise routine—play outdoor games with your family, walk the dog or go with friends/family. Don't skip something that can actually give you MORE energy and BETTER mood!
5. Take breaks. As a professional, I know what it takes to put on huge events, but I am not doing that every day. Allow yourself rest, keep hydrated, plan relaxing days, and get your needed sleep. (Melatonin is a great support in this season!)
6. Give and receive lots of hugs!!!! Did you know that hugging for 30 seconds can release OXYTOCIN! Oxytocin is called the "love hormone", and it is released when we cuddle, connect or bond with a person. That is why being hugged feels so good! When you're down, give a hug! You will both benefit!
As always, I am here for you. I have time for new client sessions at my Wellness Studio, as well as a few spots available at the First EVER Rejuvenation Room! Sneak a Peek here: Rejuvenation Room Preview!
Upcoming Events:
Peace, Elisa
Living My Joy Let's Discover Yours! elisa@elisamcclure.com
Stress-How does it really hurt our immune system?
Stress has two main effects on our body: ALERT us to danger, and HELP us fight off that danger.
This happens by our body secreting hormones, known as cortisol and corticosteroids.
When we have stress in small doses (like preparing for a big project, running a race, a child in danger, etc.), this stress gives us the signals we need to act quickly. These hormones are VITAL to handle these situations.
But….When we constantly have low levels of stress, because we don’t know how to cope with life's stressors, we become flooded with these stress hormones. The cortisol reduces the body’s ability to produce lymphocytes necessary to fight off invaders that create infections!
Also, when we have stress, we look for other “feel good” hormones, and we tend to cope with poor choices: unhealthy food, sedentary activities (due to lack of energy), and other things like smoking or drinking. This is the perfect storm for an illness to brew. If we don't practice self-care daily, we will have a problem on the horizon! This chart shows the common ways stress affects our bodies.
The BEST way to prevent it is to learn healthy coping mechanisms and to practice self care daily. Here are my biggest tips and my top oils for stress. Each oil is linked to a scientific study on that specific oil. Please check them out! This is your chance to do some research!
Frankincense- For mental clarity and normal cell growth. Apply to forehead or back of the neck. Inhale daily.
Lavender- For hormone balance and nervous system regulation. Apply to chest, neck, and temples before bed.
Peppermint- Supports heart and cardiovascular system. Apply to stomach or inhale when digestive upset occurs.
Clary Sage- Mental Support and Anxiolytic Effect Females: Apply to lower abdomen to balance hormones.
Vanilla- Supports Mood! Use in stress away blend. Diffuse or apply to feet, head, wrists daily for mood!
Ready to try some of these oils out? Here is a bundle of all the oils I mentioned today!
Living My Joy Let's Discover Yours! elisa@elisamcclure.com
The time is now here for me to share useful and practical tools to support a healthy, confident and vibrant life!
As summer winds down, and fall approaches, we can choose to take proactive approach to staying well! Join me every week as I uncover and educate on healthy ways to to stay healthy, with
"Wellness Wednesdays with Elisa"!
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