We all have stress, of one form or another, and especially during the holidays.  In fact, to some degree, being alive is being in relationship with stress.  Even positive experiences can trigger stress responses without our bodies.  And it is the ripple effects of stress that lead to health issues of all types.

I’m working on writing a book – and I’m very excited to share the process with you.  I would love your feedback on a section I am currently working on which has to do with how our body’s are impacted by stress. Click here to read “Stress: The Essential Condition” and please post your comments or email them to me.

I was just mentioning to my assistant today the things on my to-do list, and I presume that your list is quite similar: Find gifts, plan and attend holiday events, prepare for travel and decorate.

So what can we do during the holiday season when there are additional items added to our to-do, or shall we call it, “stress list?”  

This is the perfect time to come back to what you know feels best for your body.

• Make it a priority to get 8 hours sleep whenever possible
• Stop at the store to buy food so that you have meals and snacks that include protein
• Take a second to plan your day, even set a reminder on your phone, to eat every 3-4 hours and to drink water (or herbal tea)

When your body has what it needs, it is a lot easier to get through any stress or busy day.

Does the thought of doing something to decrease stress end up adding stress? 

I would like to propose that we all have a different level of optimal stress.  That is, for some of us having multiple challenges and new activities makes for a perfect day.  Others of us feel our best with consistent routines and one or two special conversations.

Consider for a moment, what is optimal for you.

How do you know when your current stress is not optimal and that your body needs help to “unstress?” 

When you find yourself searching the internet for “what is wrong” or feeling irritable when you usually wouldn’t, those can be signs that the amount of stress coming in, and the resources available to your body to manage it, are out of sync.

What are the things you can do to give your body the “unstress” message and get back in sync? 

• Schedule a massage
• Take a hot shower or bath
• Listen to music
• Read a book or article you enjoy
• Call or meet a friend to chat
• Do yoga or exercise (but don’t wear yourself out!)
• Have something to eat, with protein in it
• Go to bed early

What if that is not enough, and even still you feel tired, anxious, achey and bloated? 

Then it’s time to find out what internal stresses – like food intolerances – are perpetuating or adding to your stress.

We can also find out how your adrenals are standing up under stress by checking your cortisol and neurotransmitter levels.

Then, with a change in food choices, as well as nutrients and herbs to support your adrenals, we can help you to be feeling well even with stress.

I’m offering some New Year’s Health packages – so whether you are a new or current patient, if you would like help mastering your wellness, please let me know!

Best wishes to you this holiday season.  May you discover the amazing gift inside you!

Warmest regards,

Dr. Doni

DONIELLE WILSON, ND is a natural health expert and Naturopathic Doctor with a private practice in New York City, Port Jefferson, NY, and Connecticut. She specializes in showing women and their loved ones how to achieve their wellness goals by finally getting the answers they’ve been looking for to their most perplexing health challenges. To learn more about Dr. Doni and her unique approach to achieving health naturally, please visit Dr. Doni today.