17/12/2020
Even though most of us are home for the holidays and our event calendars may be quieter than usual, festive stress is still prevalent this year.
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Itโs been a long year of change, uncertainty, and heightened emotions. This season is supposed to be full of happiness, relaxation and celebration. It can also bring out stress due to finances, family conflict, overindulging, feelings of loneliness and grief, and coping with our expectations of what this season should be like. I want to remind you of the stress cycle.
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Stress levels increase.
โก๏ธBody produces more cortisol.
Cortisol = a wakeful hormone in body.
โก๏ธWe have difficulty falling and/or staying asleep.
โก๏ธLack of sleep suppresses our immune system which is why a lot of people get sick when they are overworking or during holiday stress.
โก๏ธLack of sleep also obviously makes us more tired.
โก๏ธExhaustion and fatigue open the door for additional emotional struggles.
When we are tired we tend to think more with the emotional part of our brain and not the rational part of our brain. (Ever get in a disagreement with your spouse over something small while tired? ๐)
โก๏ธThis exhaustion impacts our ability to cope with stress, our attention, productivity, and self control.
โก๏ธStress levels increase, cortisol increases. We have trouble sleeping.
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What a cycle right?
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The way our bodies work and how everything is connected amazes me.
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๐ Stop the stress cycle.
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Start at the top and manage the stress. Staying hydrated, eating regular balanced meals and exercising plays big role for stress management. When stress hits, be intentional and slow down, grab your favorite calming oil, close your eyes and B R E A T H E. Essential oils can induce relaxation and help with stress. Pay close attention to what happens quickly after. Does your breathing and heart rate slow down? Do your shoulders feel less tense? Does your mind feel more focused? I love to do a self check before and after taking a moment to breathe in my favorite oils. What a wonderful tool we have to reset. โฃ
