Wednesday, December 16, 2009

5 Easy Anti-Stress Tips (Great for Staying Sane for the Holidays)

1. BREATHE. Do this with me right now: Breathe in slowly through your nose for 7 seconds. Hold that breath for 5 seconds. Breathe out slowly through your mouth for 7 seconds. Repeat as many times as you'd like. Do it while driving, working, whenever. It's free and easy, and it instantly calms you down and allows your body to reduce its cortisol (stress hormone) levels.

2. LISTEN. Listen to anti-stress or meditation CDs. Look them up on Amazon, read reviews, pick some good ones, and listen! Easy. You could also go on iTunes and listen from you computer, iPod, or an iPod speaker dock.

3. STRETCH. Stretching and yoga are two enjoyable ways to release "happy" hormones and circulation, which leads to feeling good and dealing with stress in a positive way. Stretch for a few minutes every morning before getting ready for the day (I have a stretch routine video on YouTube you can watch). Go to yoga class twice per week and/or buy one or two yoga DVDs to do at home. Gaiam makes some great yoga series DVDs.

4. READ. Read A Thousand Names for Joy by Byron Katie. This is one of the best books for reducing and eliminating your stress through a simple shift in your mindset and thoughts. Easy to understand and an enjoyable, calming read.

5. MAGNESIUM. Magnesium has incredible relaxing and detoxifying effects, in addition to balancing all the calcium we get from our food. Our diets are so lacking in magnesium, it is no wonder we are often over-stressed and riddled with calcium-related issues like arthritis and constipation. Eat more fresh organic fruit and steamed vegetables. Try Pure Essence Ionic-Fizz Magnesium Plus or Peter Gillham's Natural Calm powder, and follow the directions on the jar.


BONUS TIP: ASHWAGANDHA. This is a wonderful herb that reduces stress and improves brain function. I've been using it for years since it rebuilds dendrites in the brain, and you can never be too careful if you've spent 12 years as a pro cage fighter getting hit in the head. ;D Cedar Bear Naturales' makes a great glycerin tincture. You can also try an alcohol-based tincture, since alcohol penetrates the brain and blood better than glycerin.

ON A GIFT BUDGET?
If you are still shopping for your family and friends, but are on a budget, this is just a reminder that Epic Elixirs are a delicious luxury gift for under $20. We will be shipping every day up to December 21st to ensure holiday delivery (usually we only ship every Monday after they are made fresh to order). Click here to shop for elixirs. Happy Holidays!