Stress Relief

Vegetarian Times, Dec, 1998 by Rs

In an ideal universe, the holidays would be an impeccable parade of seasonal festivities, beautifully wrapped gifts and heart-warming visits from family and close friends. For most of us, however, holiday realities are slightly less than perfect and often create more stress than good cheer.

So when all the shopping, gift wrapping, cooking and visitors leave you feeling like you have about as much left to give as Scrooge, take five and then take action--the Natural Remedies way.

Focus

You don't have to get it all done at once. "Doing several things simultaneously forces the mind to dart back and forth among activities and creates enormous tension and stress," says Joan Borysenko, Ph.D., author of A Woman's Book of Life (Berkeley Publishing Group, 1997).

Juggling multiple tasks may seem like good time management, but it's actually counterproductive. Borysenko says focusing on one task at a time actually saves time, and even better, is more joyful and relaxing in the long run.

Meditate

"When you're feeling frantic, it's hard to do a quick sitting meditation because it takes 10 to 15 minutes just to quiet the mind," says Borysenko. "When I only have five minutes to ground myself, I find it helpful to do one yoga position, a t'ai chi movement or another exercise that requires focusing. Concentrating on a physical activity helps you ground yourself quickly."

Try the Standing Chair Hang: Stand four feet behind a chair with feet hip-width apart. Place your hands on the back of the chair and with knees straight, bend slowly from your waist until your back forms a right angle to your legs. Keep your arms and back straight and your head and neck parallel to your arms. Take a few deep breaths, then slowly roll up from this position, one vertebrae at a time.

Rescue

Four drops of Bach Flower Rescue Remedy under the tongue can bring instant relief when the going really gets tough, says Nina Merer, president of the Energy Bank, a New York City consulting firm that teaches stress management to corporate executives. One of the best-selling natural stress-relief products in the world, Rescue Remedy contains tiny amounts of distilled flower essences (known for their calming qualities) in a base liquid of brandy. Those who want to avoid alcohol can get the same results with Rescue Remedy cream. Use it up to four times a day.

Rest

When there's no time to slip into a piping hot, relaxing bath, take a quick time-out with a cup of tea or some aromatherapy. Chamomile, lemon balm and lavender are all highly valued as subtle calmers that soothe but don't sedate. Brew a pot of your favorite tea and take a breather with your favorite magazine. Scatter aromatic candles throughout your house, then light them all. Or fill a spray bottle with 4 ounces of water and 10 to 20 drops of essential oil (use one or a mix of three) and mist your rooms--a particularly good strategy if you think those around you also need to chill out.