|
Beating the Blues
It is supposed to be the happiest time of the year. Every advert and Christmas song tells us so. It is time off from work, friends and family, and the beginning of summer. But for many, frustration and stress can lead to the holiday blues. A wide variety of factors can contribute to anxiety around this time of year from unrealistic expectations, too many commitments, financial stress, excessive drinking, over-eating,fatigue, over-commercialisation to family demands. The passing of another year can be a catalyst to contemplate disappointments, loneliness and unachieved goals. If you or someone you know is experiencing sadness please know it is quite common.
So what can you do to beat off these blues? Here are host of suggestions.- Social support is important. Tell people you trust about your needs, especially if you have experienced a tragedy, death or romantic breakup. Consider counselling or support groups, so you know that you are not alone. Spend time with supportive and caring people.
- Get out in the sunshine and be active; walk, hike, bike, swim, surf, breathe in the fresh air. Exercise of any kind is known to increase neurotransmitters in the brain and elevate mood.
- Limit your commitments if you are feeling overwhelmed. Ask for help and share family responsibilities. Learn to say no so you don’t take on more than you can handle.
- Set realistic expectations for the holiday and goals for yourself.
- Take the time to sleep, rest and rejuvenate. Fatigue is taxing on the body and soul.
- Be kind to yourself if you find yourself being self-critical. No one is perfect we are all work in progress.
- Don’t compare – either today with years past or your life with others. Focus on what you have now and what you are grateful for.
- Volunteer and help others, it leads to the feeling of fulfilment.
- Limit your consumption of alcohol and try to eat healthy and not overeat.
- Try something new and be proud of yourself.
- Budget your holiday spending.
We have some natural supplements and essential oils that may help with mood enhancement and increase your ability to brush off the blues. It is important to check out the warnings on these natural remedies because some can interact with prescription medication and should not be used in conjunction with antidepressants.
SAM-e (S-adenoslymethionine) is a natural compound in human cells that boosts mood-influencing brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine and may reduce symptoms of depression. SAM-e is commonly used in Europe. We recommended Thompson’s Mood Manager (also contains Fish oil, Tyrosine,vitamin b6, b12 & folic acid)
Tyrosine is a powerful amino acid that is a building block for dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and thyroid hormones. Tyrosine supplements may help in times of stress. Tyrosine also may help people who have a lack of sleep stay more alert and improve memory and reasoning. We recommended product: Cabot Health Tyrosine Pure Mood Food.
Saffron is a plant based spice that has been for used medicinally for centuries. It is known to improve symptoms of memory loss, depression, and PMS. Saffron may increase serotonin metabolism improving mood. Saffron has high amounts of anti-oxidative carotenoids and B vitamins. We recommended Nature’s Goodness Saffron Mood Formula (also includes Ginseng, Chamomile, Vitamin B6 & B7)
St. John’s Wort is a plant that grows in Europe, North and South America, Australia, New Zealand, and Eastern Asia. Around for centuries, it is commonly used today to treat mood and anxiety. It may improve sleep, anxiety, and mild to moderate depression. We recommend either Thompson’s St John’s Wort or Nature’s Sunshine St. John’s Wort & Passionflower.
Vitamin B-12 and other B vitamins play a role in producing brain chemicals that affect mood and other brain functions. Low levels of B-12 and other B vitamins such as vitamin B-6 and folate may be linked to depression. If you are feeling blue, you may be have some vitamin B deficiency and should consider enhancing your diet with foods rich in Vitamin B and/or supplementation. We have many Vitamin B supplements to choose from.
Essential Oils. When it comes to managing your mood, essential oils can help restore your emotional balance and improve your overall attitude.
- Frankincense Oil promotes feelings of peace, relaxation and overall wellness. It Support immune, nervous and digestive functions.
- Lemon Oil when diffused, Lemon is very uplifting and energizing and has been shown to help improve mood.
- Wild Orange Oil Diffuse to uplift mood and energy levels and to freshen the air.
- Doterra Cheer blend is a combination of Wild Orangel, Clove, Star Anise, Lemon Myrtle, Coconut oil, Nutmeg, Vanilla, Ginger, Cinnamon, and Zdravetz Herb especially designed to promotes feelings of optimism, cheerfulness, and happiness and Counteract negative emotions of feeling down, blue, or low
- Doterra Passion blend is a combination of Coconut Oil, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Ginger, Clove, Sandalwood, Jasmine, Vanilla, and Damiana especially designed to ignites feelings of excitement, passion, and joy and counteract negative feelings of boredom and disinterest
- Doterra Peace blend is a combination of Coconut Oil, Vetiver, Lavender, Ylang Ylang, Frankincense Resin, Clary Sage, Marjoram, Labdanum, and Spearmint especially designed to promotes feelings of peace, reassurance, and contentment and counteract anxious and fearful emotions
|
|
