We are living in very stressful times; political, educational and religious divide, financial worries, juggling work and home schedules, and now a pandemic, which will likely heighten, not only the stressors I just named, but now many of us are worried about our health and/or the health of loved ones.
Having said this, I would like to offer some suggestions that may help.
1. People often reach for comfort foods when they are stressed, most often to fuel the body with readily available sugar. These starches and sugars are great, short-term, but over time, lead to excess weight, higher blood sugar, inflammation and more. I strongly recommend that you make sure to minimize sugar, starch, and dairy products during this time. If you are feeling very stressed, go for a walk, take a bath, or whatever you do to alleviate it, and THEN you can eat. Bitter herbs or simply taking a shot of bitters can stimulate digestive juices preventing indigestion that is likely to follow eating a meal when stressed.
2. Key Supplements to take when stress is high and immunity is in question: Vitamins A, B, C, and D. Minerals: Ca (I prefer lactate as it can be absorbed without a meal), Mg (glycinate, taurate or malate are good ones), Potassium (K) and adaptogens (herbs that protect us from stress by supporting the adrenals, boosting energy levels, etc) like Rhodiola, Schisandra, Ginseng, Holy Basil, Ashwaganda, and so on. I am often asked if supplementation is necessary. The short answer is: For some, yes, for some, no. Longer answer: If you have a diet that is rich in whole, organic foods and you eat a variety of healthy meats, greens, veggies, AND you do not have digestive issues and/or food sensitivities, then you probably don’t need supplements. To buy top-grade supplements through Paul, please click here.
3. Focus/Attention. Where do we place our attention? Are we those who are drawn to gossip, the horror stories, bad news, etc? Do we get ourselves upset by paying attention to the drama? It is crucial to not spend our time and energy wasting it on things we can’t or won’t do anything about. Focus on what you want more of. If you want peace and tranquility, focus on that. If you want better health, focus on that and that which leads to it. Sounds simple, right? But this is a key misstep in the thoughts and actions of the unsuccessful. They are the naysayers: It’s hard and I can’t do it. I tried…it’s not for me, and so on. Patience and practice and a positive outlook will get you to where you want to be. If you are interested in personalized meditation training, either as part of a class or one to one, please call Paul at 774-283-2726 or contact him here.
4. Hydration and a bit more about diet: Drinking clean Spring Water is best because it is mineralized and easier for the body to use. Properly filtered water with electrolytes (squeeze lemon and/or a tiny pinch of sea salt into water) is the next best, then filtered water, then tap water.
Drinking approximately ½ your body weight in ounces is a starting point, but please understand that there are so many variables that go into how much your body needs and that it is a dynamic (moving) equation, so that is why we provide rough estimates.
We all find our own levels and it’s up to us to make sure we are always around those numbers, a bit more if we’re working or exercising and a bit less if we’re more sedentary. It is important to minimize or get rid of the caffeine, diet and sugary drinks which make up the bulk of the beverages in the American Diet. They do NOT help with weight loss, they do NOT help with our health, period.
When someone says they can’t or won’t, emotionally, they are proving the facts to be true, that many of these drinks are addictive and unhealthy. When a Patient presents with anxiety and/or pain, would it be reasonable to hand them a pill that made the anxiety and/or pain worse? Of course not, but that’s what people do to themselves, every day.
5. Movement is so important. Aside from helping alleviate stress, it also helps the body get rid of waste, and a body under stress creates more waste, which is one reason why chronic disease levels shoot up in times of prolonged stress; divorce, job loss, health issues…PANDEMICS. It is not necessary to become a marathon runner or body builder. On the contrary, focus on long walks, stretching and some calisthenics…40+ minutes and that’s it!
6. Try and do what’s front and center…or do one thing at a time. Focusing on too much makes people vulnerable to overwhelm, and then we are susceptible to manipulation by false reports. And let’s be clear, if something cannot be easily established as a fact, by multiple sources, not just friendly ones, it is NOT a fact.
There are those in the World who benefit from our being unhappy, stressed and fighting. We spend more money and spend it more foolishly when we are off balance and in one or more of these undesired states. Don’t let others think for you.
7. Seek active forms of care once diagnosed or get multiple opinions when getting diagnosed, if it’s not abundantly clear. Active care is participated in or felt; exercises, adjustments, acupuncture, massage, changing diets, etc. One or more of these should always be part of our care regimens…as well as our stay healthy rituals. This kind of investment is known to be worth it by those who do it.
By implementing and practicing sound principles, health and balance may be obtained. This leads to better decision-making, less time lost, fewer big health bills, and many more benefits. The Integrative Health Network is designed to provide passionate, experienced and educated health care services and products. We are located near the 495/Metrowest area outside of Boston.
Paul Gerst L.Ac. is an Acupuncturist and Natural Health Practitioner and part owner of The Balanced Path Wellness Center in Medway, MA. Please call 774-283-2726 or email thebalancedpath@gmail.com to contact him or visit YourBalancedPath.com for more information.