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Coping with Holiday Stress
by Dr. David Ramaley

During the holiday season, it's easy to overextend ourselves. Holiday parties, overeating, shopping, and extra cooking for friends and family can push us over the edge. The end result can leave us feeling fatigued, weak, and vulnerable to infection.

Our resistance to this stress is primarily controlled by two small glands on top of our kidneys, called the adrenal glands. In times of physical or emotional stress the adrenals secrete hormones, such as adrenaline, which prepare the body to ?ght or take ?ight. This is a healthy reaction, and once the stressful situation is resolved, the body recovers quickly. In times of prolonged stress, however, the adrenal glands work overtime. Eventually the glands start a general decline in function, contributing to symptoms like low energy, dif?culty sleeping, muscle weakness and repeated infections. Women may even experience an increase in PMS or menopausal symptoms.

The first step in coping with stress is to nourish the body. Try to sleep at least eight hours each night. This allows enough time for the body to release the stress of the day, rejuvenate, and repair itself. Though caffeine does give you a temporary boost in energy, it will leave you more stressed, irritable and fatigued by the end of the day. Ask for your next latte with half decaf to wean your body slowly off caffeine. Take it easy on sweets and try to minimize alcohol intake. Alcohol and sugar deplete the B vitamins necessary for energy production. Eat a balanced diet with plenty of protein, whole grains and vegetables to rebuild the adrenals.

For those already experiencing fatigue, licorice is well known for its ability to help heal the adrenal glands and support normal levels of stress hormones in the body. Take an extract of 300 mg of licorice two to three times per day for about six weeks to help normalize adrenal function. Also of bene?t are additional B5 (pantothenic acid) and B6 vitamins, both of which are necessary for energy production. Take 200 mg of each two times a day for therapeutic effects.

To prevent stress in the future, add a few moments of meditation to your day. Take two minutes to relax as much as possible. Breathe in slowly for a count of eight. Hold the breath for eight more counts and then release it slowly to a count of ten. Contract your abdomen to force all the stagnant air out of your lungs. With each breath visualize the seven colors of the rainbow, starting with red. Imagine the color red filling your body as you inhale and see it leave your body as you exhale. Repeat with orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. This imagery will help align the seven chakras (areas of energy) of your body. After this exercise you will feel lighter and more energetic.

By incorporating these tips, you can enjoy the holiday season and keep your body healthy.