By Cindy Pitts
Gilbert, Gwinnett Citizen December 2016
Dear Sister Knowitall,
Can I avoid the stress and anxiety I feel during the
holidays? I want to be present and enjoy
time with friends and family. Sometimes I really just want to hop on the Polar
Express and run away for the holidays. ~Sincerely;
Mental Leedone
Dear Mental Leedone,
Ah the time of year for peace on earth and joy to the world
right? For many of us it is anything
but. We have two opposing hormones working
in our bodies based on how we react to life. Cortisol the fight or flight,
stress hormone. Oxytocin the comfort and trust, love hormone. To get
stress-free it makes logical sense to raise oxytocin and lower cortisol . Oxytocin actually counters the effects of cortisol
therefore, one might say that where there is love there can be no stress.
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| photo credit: freakingnews.com |
Here’s my recipe for a stress-free holiday.
Breathe into the bottom
of your lungs, count to 10. Breathe out slowly. Repeat 3-5 times. Instant relaxation. Try a deep yawn, exhale to release cortisol
from your body. When that pesky auntie sends your peace of mind off the cliff,
yawn. She’ll think you are bored and cortisol goes down.
Stop worrying about what other people think. Do your best, then let go. Those who matter know your heart. What
other people think of you is none of your business anyway.
Don’t sweat the small stuff. We all have our Christmas
calamity stories. If you have one of
your own this year, laugh it off. Like the year I spilled Ambrosia all over my
dad. It can be funny memory for years to come.
When we cuddle hug or kiss, we get a dose of Oxytocin thus the nickname the love hormone. Get
under that mistletoe, grab your partner, here we go, give’em a hug and dose-si-do. No partner? Call your mom, her voice releases similar levels
as being in close proximity or a hug. You know that bear hug kind of friend? Seek
them out this season. They are oxytocin inducer for sure.
Enjoy an epsom salt and lavender bath. Lavender is an
essential oil known for relaxation. Epsom salt pull toxins from the body and relieves tension
in achy muscles.
Sitting daily, 15-30
minutes, in mediation or prayer can make
a huge difference in your approach to life. We see things more clearly and it creates
a sense of centeredness. Enjoy the calm of twinkling lights or glowing flames
of your holiday decor.
Picking the right gift may stress us out but the joy of
giving to those in need can’t be matched. Have an attitude of gratitude; Accept
where we are in life. Smile and you’ll get
one back. Laughter and exercise increase endorphins that are released by
your brain to make you feel good.
Stressed spelled backwards is Desserts? Coincidence? Munch on Strawberries dipped in dark
chocolate the Vitamin C in the strawberries fight free radicals, reduces cortisol
and dark chocolate releases endorphins. Win win.
Singing offers feelings of pleasure again from endorphins. Group singing
is cheaper than therapy, healthier than drinking, and certainly more fun than
working out. Caroling anyone?
Save this link: http://tinyurl.com/babiespuppieskittens . Enjoy pictures of babies,
puppies and kittens to put a little love in your heart.
