Stress and Anxiety

Modern Medicine now acknowledges that stress can contribute to 75%-90% of all human diseases, with approximately 75% of all primary care visits related to stress, according to the CDC. Chronic stress contributes to heart disease, metabolic issues, mental health, GI problems, and insomnia, to name a few. Let’s face it, modern life is just plain stressful.

One of the most effective ways to mitigate stress and anxiety is to first acknowledge it and to know what triggers you. Next, take meaningful steps to reduce stress and bring back joy and peace into your life. Practicing mindfulness and simple breathing are very effective and are gifts that are free. There are many techniques to bring mindfulness into daily life, start by sitting quietly and just observing the breath.

Two well-known techniques that can help are the acronyms: S T O P and R A I N.

S- Stop (pause and look around, Be)

T- Take a breath (begin with a slow inhalation through the nose)

O- Observe (take notice of feelings and sensations in your body)

P- Proceed (plan what you will do next)

R- Recognize (what is going on around and inside you)

A-Allow (all feelings and circumstances to be just as they are)

I-Investigate (what could be triggers of glimmers)

N- Nurture (self-love and self-acceptance)

Adaptogens are food sources that can help with stress responses by regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis reducing cortisol. They may improve stamina, boost immunity and enhance mental focus. Like all natural therapies and foods/medicines, adaptogens may take several weeks to see results. Some common adaptogens are: Turmeric, Ashwagandha, Holy Basil (Tulsi), Mushrooms, Maca, Licorice and Ginseng.

Try this delicious drink: 1Tbls. Cacao, 1 tsp. each of Maca, Mushrooms, and Cinnamon. This drink may be used with warmed milk of choice and sweetened with honey. A delicious way to incorporate healing  foods into your life.