Holiday Stress is a Result of Depletion, Not a Cause

As a health related shop-keep here in Riverhead I encounter many individuals expressing concern about the effects of stress upon themselves and family members. The holiday season – between traveling, paying for presents, and a number of other factors – seems to add to stress. Sometimes this stress exhibits itself in physical ways (as in hair falling out in clumps) or as emotional expressions (insomnia, loss of libido, brain fatigue and neurosis) to name a few.

Having worked in the natural foods trade for most of my life, it's occurred to me that there are some wonderful ways to stave off the negative effects of long-term stress and excessive worrying.  By bolstering the immune system and generally nourishing the body in key ways, we can ward off and keep in check the disabling results of unwelcome wear and tear associated with "STRESS".

First, let us address the false notions that "quick acting" synthetic drinks snacks and drugs purporting to save the day by providing stamina and heightened performance have any substantive value.  School systems at the federal and state levels, for example, can't pull these products from distribution fast enough due to their proliferation and variety … like unwelcome weeds in a garden.  When you've experienced the distinction between real whole food, core vitamin, mineral and enzyme nutrition at its best, these other money scheme shadow foods and drugs really show themselves for what they really are … mostly a waste of time and money.

By providing bio-available minerals (including trace minerals) vitamins in real food form, we build and maintain sound bodies in the true sense. Foods grown in balanced soil and without synthetic pesticide are best of course and lovingly prepared, low temperature – minimally processed fresh foods remain the best source of sustainence.  Why expect to function optimally on fast food, canned food, techno food and all the things that pass for food these days in many of the major supermarkets across the country?  One must be selective and purchase wisely, as this can be done … keeping within a reasonable family budget even in hard times.  Don't be drawn in by bogus labels and come-ons.  Read labels and question ingredients.  Educate yourself as to price performance when it comes to value and challenge these results experientially.

Keep out of the doctor's office by building powerful nerve force reserves.  Support markets that provide a balanced view of eco-consciousness and long-term wellness.  Find ways to bring it in under budget. Good meal planning, which will be discussed in future articles, is instrumental in this regard. Some supplementation (concentrated nutri-supports) can be helpful, but not essential in all cases. At the end of the day, stress and how we manage it is a function of reserve and balance that comes with endocrine system and cellular harmony.  This is derived from the time honored tradition of paying close attention to the daily needs of our bodies, each individually cared for.

I wanted to plant the seed today that the expression of stress in its many forms is often the result of depletion, sometimes on more than one level. Resolve the discord upstream and all sorts of easement results. It is kind of hard to imagine at first, but you'll find value in this notion as you experience the healing process personally over time.

An old friend once told me that it's hard to have sour thoughts in a beautiful garden.  This is what we're talking about here, with a twist.  We'll explore these and other ideas together in this column over the next few months.  In the meantime, live and be well.