Issue link: http://cp.revolio.com/i/412680
T he holiday season is one of the busiest times in the doctor's office as a result of an increase in people suffering from acute illnesses ranging from stress-related illness, colds, flus, bronchitis, pneumonia, anxiety and depression, gastrointestinal symptoms and even cardiac complaints. Certainly the single biggest concern from November through spring is avoiding contracting the influenza virus that can be so devastating for young and old alike. The information shared in this article are designed to help anyone who wants a guide for overcoming the other challenges many of us face around the holidays, from depression to weight gain to increased alcohol consumption. Coping with Holiday Stress During the holidays, interactions with friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers as well as the overwhelming array of tasks we need to accomplish from buying gifts to baking may generate excessive amounts of stress. In regards to feeling overwhelmed it is important to abide by the old saying "don't bite off more than you can chew." In addition, the best way to stay stress free or deal with a stressor is simply to talk it out. A mellow and relaxing conversation with a friend can help keep things in perspective. Though it is easy to fall into the trap of focusing on life's stressors, it is essential to build up positive energy as well by discussing cherished times like the upcoming weekend, vacation plans, and recent fun experiences. Science has shown that individuals who take time to interact with friends and family are healthier and live longer. In our hectic modern society we go, go, go and then go faster yet. This hustle and bustle is particularly prevalent around the holidays. In order to increase the brain's efficiency, I advise my clients to give the brain some down time. I tell them to take a 3-5 minute mental health break every hour with the clear intent of engaging the mind in something not related to the current train of thought such as gazing at a picture or even the computer's screen saver. A better option is for them to close their eyes, remove themselves from the high stimulation environment they are in and imagine themselves someplace relaxing and safe such as in the midst of a springtime meadow or on the beach. Another technique I recommend is to prioritize holiday activities to prevent becoming overcommitted. In addition, I ask my clients to inhale deeply throughout the day to oxygenate the 60 to 70 trillion living cells in the body. When stressed, individuals take shallow breaths and do not receive all the oxygen the body needs. Combining these anti-stress lifestyle techniques with the proper supplements can be particularly effective for surviving the extra anxiety that's often served up along with the pumpkin pie and eggnog. L-theanine, a component of green tea, is one of the best supplements to help promote relaxation. It has Holiday Survival: A Guide to Stress Support, Weight Loss and Other Seasonal Challenges Page 20 | Abby's Magazine - www.AbbysMag.com