Stress – it’s one of the modern age’s biggest challenges, sometimes described as the disease of modern life.
Yet it is also one of the most misunderstood too.
If you don’t manage stress, it can lead to everything from minor ailments like premature ageing, headaches, fatigue, constipation and indigestion to life-threatening conditions such as cancer and heart-disease.
Good stress? Really?
Some stress, however, is good for us. It’s nature’s way of keeping us on our toes, if you will – the chemical response to pressure. Without a certain amount of stress, we would not be able to motivate ourselves to meet that all-important deadline. And this level of stress can boost our immune system as well.
But taken to extremes, when stress becomes chronic, it can have the effect of poisoning your body, because of the toxic chemicals that flood your being. This negative effect can lead to heart disease, osteoporosis and breast and prostate cancers among other things.
Diagnosing stress and isolating the cause is difficult. This is where the help of an experience professional therapist can be invaluable. But the good news is that there are various ways of tackling it head on with natural health treatments to dramatically reduce your own levels of stress.
Here at Cheshire Natural Health we have drawn up six great tips for busting that stress.
1. Mindfulness
Learning to live in the moment and not to dwell on the past or worry about the future will help you considerably in coping with stress. Accepting that the past is gone and the future is not yet here – and therefore letting go – will help you to appreciate and enjoy what is happening right now, in this moment, in truth the only time we ever have. Meditation and breathing techniques can help dramatically in the pursuit of mindfulness, and therefore help you to police your thoughts. We like the apps Headspace and Calm which you can download for free.
2. Get physical with Reflexology, Massage and Acupuncture
Massage therapy is a highly effective stress buster. Its use can lower heart rate and blood pressure as well as relaxing the body’s muscles. In addition, it helps to release endorphins, the ‘feel-good’ chemicals of the body. Reflexology can help to balance the body and mind and is another excellent treatment for stress with wider benefits such as increased relaxation and quality of sleep. And it is no more invasive than requiring the patient to remove his or her shoes and socks. The ancient Chinese practice of Acupuncture is a great stress-buster also. We love the AoR Reflexology’s Youtube channel which has some fantastic short videos that you can try at home.
3. Get moving
Exercise in all its forms – whether it’s strenuous such as working out in the gym or calmer, controlled activities like Yoga Qigong and tai chi – is wonderful for helping you to unwind, relax and de-stress. Even going out in the fresh air for a stroll for half an hour can do wonders for your stress levels. You can find lots of great free videos on YouTube so you can work out without going out!
4. Hypnotherapy and Emotional Freedom Technique
The use of Hypnotherapy is a powerful stress reduction tool. With the help of a hypnotherapist you can help to identify the cause of your stress as well as working on reducing your stress levels. Hypnotherapy is best done one to one, but our Hypnotherapist Paula Cornes can offer relaxation therapy via Skype. We love The Tapping Solution app for some self-help EFT techniques and for specialist one to one support, Kat Holden is available for EFT consultations via Skype.
5. Take supplements and adaptogenic herbs
Some supplements are effective in helping to reduce stress. Adaptogens kickstart the healing process by working directly on the body’s cells and revive the natural functions of the body. Particularly effective ones are Ginkgo and ginseng, as well as antioxidants such as vitamins A, C and E, which are found in berry fruit such as strawberries and blueberries. Natalia Kerkham is happy to have a chat about how herbal medicine and nutrition can help you, and is available for telephone and skip consultations.
6. Try flower remedies and Homeopathy
Research done at Miami University has shown that flower remedies and homeopathy work effectively in treating stress. In tests, where the Bach flower Rescue Remedy was given to some participants and a placebo to the rest, it was those who took the remedy that responded by experiencing a reduction in their stress. Our homeopath Carol Reynolds is happy to advise on how homeopathy can help you.
Want to know more about dealing with stress?
These six tips will help you to deal with stress, but if you would like more advice or help, generally, or in relation to any of the points raised, please do get in touch with us at Cheshire Natural Health and book a free 30 minute phone consultation with our Clinic Director Tracey Turton to see how we can help.
Call on 01925 730123 or email [email protected]
For more information on our full range of treatments visit our website
www.cheshirenaturalhealth.co.uk
