Stress that is left unchecked can really take a toll on both your mind and your body. Studies show that elevated stress will cause an increase in cortisol ( the stress hormone) which can contribute to many health complications, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity and diabetes. In our modern day lives it is easy to get overwhelmed with responsibilities, a fast paced lifestyle and ever changing technology. Additionally, we are constantly inundated by things like advertising, news, and social media. Even though our days may be busy, it is important to remember to take time to care for yourself.
Chinese Medicine is a holistic practice that addresses the mind, the body and the spirit when treating a patient. Diet and lifestyle play an important factor in the cause of imbalance and are important foundational aspects to health. Incorporating any or all of these tips will help you more effectively manage stress and restore balance more quickly.
1. Drink More Tea
Slowing down long enough to brew a cup of tea and sitting down to enjoy it can do wonders for your state of mind. This simple act can bring more mindfulness and self care into your days. Tea has long been considered an art form; with each herb containing unique properties, and requiring specific temperature and brewing techniques. Use this as an opportunity to slow down and bring some creativity to your act of self care. Here are a few to start:
*Green tea- if you need a little energy boost.
*Chrysanthemum and goji tea- for tired eyes. Additionally, once the tea bag has cooled you can place them over your eyes as a poultice to enhance the effect.
*Chamomile and honey tea- if you need to de-stress and wind down after a long day.
*Fennel and mint tea- for a digestive tonic.
*Rose tea- can help soothe your nerves and improve your mood, it has also been known to make you more open to receive and accept love.
2. Clean Out Clutter
Having a messy and cluttered home or work space can feel overwhelming for the mind. So take some time to sort through your stuff. Start with piles, if there are things piling up around the corners of your house, sort through them and get rid of the things you no longer have a use for. After you've finished that, move on to your closet. As you go through your items ask yourself: Do I have a need or use for this? Does it make me feel good? If the answers are no- it goes! Additionally a good way to check in is to see if you have used the item in the last year. If not, it's likely not going to be put to use anytime soon. After your closet, move onto the kitchen and garage. You’ll notice a sense of lightness and improved mood as soon as you begin to create more space around you.
3. Move Your Body with Intention
While exercise is important for overall health, a common phenomenon in modern American culture is that a higher value is placed on high intensity exercise. With out proper recovery and conditioning, constant high level activity can take a toll on the body, often times leaving us more depleted than we intended. It's important to find a balance between high intensity movement and slower more intentional activities. Qi Gong, Tai Chi and Yoga can be equally as effective in relieving stress with out being so demanding on the body. In Chinese Medicine high intensity movements are categorized as more Yang energy- more energizing, heat producing, action oriented. While slower, more intentional activities such as Yoga and Tai Chi are more Yin energy- slower, more restorative and replenishing movements. It's important to have a balance of both yin and yang energy, otherwise too much of either will cause an imbalance in your system.