Soothe Seasonal Stress

Happy Holidays! Here’s hoping you had a terrific week, filled with family, friends, and laughter. And now you can finally take a break from the rush of last-minute gifts, out-of-town visitors, cooking, baking, and the never-ending stack of dirty dishes. Here’s how to relieve stress and relax before the start of the New Year:

Soak away the tension. A long, hot bath will have you relaxed in no time. Add mood-boosting, calming essential oils to your bathwater, such as lavender, bergamot, chamomile, and rose, all of which are available at health food stores.

Work in a workout. Take a brisk 30-minute walk outside. The fresh air and time to yourself will do you good and is naturally stress-relieving and calming.

Eat good mood food. Tryptophan-rich foods, such as turkey, chicken, fish, dairy products, soybeans, nuts, and avocados can ease stress. So spread some guacamole on a chicken sandwich, or grab a handful of almonds, and snack away!

Get better sleep. If you have trouble falling asleep, try the soothing scent of lavender. Keep a vase of dried lavender on your bedside table, spritz your pillowcase with cooled lavender tea, or tuck a small pouch of dried lavender under your pillow.

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The Hidden Healing Power of Lemonade

For generations of Americans, nothing shouts “Summertime!” like a tall, cold glass of lemonade. Medical experts now tell us that this sweet and tangy treat can help resolve or prevent a passel of serious health problems. That’s because lemons are rich in phytonutrients that are associated with the prevention and/or treatment of at least four of the leading causes of death in Western countries: cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension.

What’s more, although lemons are acidic, they increase the alkalinity of our bodily fluids — and an alkaline system is key to maintaining good health. Here’s a sampling of the fabulous feats that a daily glass of lemonade can perform for you:

• Boost your immune system
• Cleanse your system of toxins and impurities
• Conquer cravings for cigarettes and alcohol
• Improve your mood
• Increase your energy level
• Prevent kidney stones
• Protect against adult asthma
• Reduce acid reflux
• Speed weight loss

Tension Taming Tips to Finesse Stress

The holidays are upon us, so ‘tis the season to be jolly. And that means that you can’t let yourself fall victim to stress! It’s not always easy, what with the hustle and bustle of shopping, decorating your home, getting ready for company, and concerns about pushing an already tight budget to its limits.

But here are a few quick tricks that’ll short-circuit your stress in the wink of a reindeer’s eye:

Breathe. Taking slow, deliberate breaths and focusing on the sensation (called mindful breathing) won’t shrink the long line at the toy store, but it will lower your heart rate and help you gain a sense of control.

Spend quality time with your pet. Your furry friend loves you unconditionally, so playing a quick game of fetch with Fido or cuddling on the couch with Kitty will lift your spirits and serve as a buffer against stress.

Take a walk. A simple walk at a brisk pace enhances the flow of brain chemicals that block the effects of stress. It doesn’t have to be a long walk — even a dash up and down the stairs will do in a pinch.

Munch on chocolate. It’s true — eating chocolate helps release endorphins, those brainy chemicals that control your mood. (And it’s yummy!)

The most important thing...is to allow yourself to enjoy the holiday season and all of its wonders. After all, it only comes once a year!