When is the last time you had a good belly laugh? You may
have heard that laughter is the best medicine; know why? Laughter releases
endorphins—hormones that help to reduce pain and relieve stress. Laughter also
works muscles throughout our face and body; we breathe faster and our heart
rate goes up which delivers more oxygen to cells throughout the body and burns
calories.
Let’s talk stress.
When we’re stressed out, it shows up in our emotions, sleeping
and eating patterns, and even social interactions. Sometimes the stressors are
on the scene temporarily; and some stressors are just things we have to get
used to, like traffic we just can’t avoid. Over time, these things that “stress
us out” can lead to potentially severe and chronic byproducts of stress like anxiety,
depression or high blood pressure. Some
call the symptoms of chronic stress, “adrenal fatigue.”
Speaking of adrenal fatigue, we recently talked with Kelly
Cappasola on the Forever Young radio show about adrenal fatigue and how DHEA cream
Twist 25 can help. You can listen to that show here.
Medical science shows that when the body experiences stress,
cortisol (also known as the stress hormone) increases to protect the body
with an inflammatory response, a defense mechanism which could be good. But
when cortisol levels remain high over days, weeks or months, it can cause us to
gain weight, lose energy and drive, and seemingly steal our joy.
If you’re middle age, lacking energy
and drive and notice you’re just not the go-getter you were in your twenties,
you may be feeling the effects of adrenal fatigue. Ask your doctor to test your cortisol, DHEA
and thyroid levels. But if a manageable level of stress just has you down for a
spell, try these natural self-help solutions first!
Find Happiness in the
Little Things - Laugh
Don’t let the stress take over. Turn stress off. Happy thoughts release endorphins with
“blissful moments that can also give your well-being a boost.” We love the 5 steps to more joy from W.H.
Auden of United Healthcare Services, Inc. Sometimes it’s the little things like
laughter that make a big difference.
Breathe In, Stress
Out
When too much energy is being exerted on the body’s response
to stress, stop what you’re doing and take a breath. In fact, take several. Focusing
on taking deep breaths can help take your mind off the stressors. Try some of
these breathing exercises offered by Dr. Andrew Weil, M.D.
Stretch-Away
Stressors
Studies have
shown that practicing yoga or meditation can have great antidepressant effects. Not only excellent for
practicing breath control, yoga also helps focus the mind on various muscle
groups, improves blood flow and oxygenates cells throughout the body.
Stretching also clears toxins from muscle tissue. So if you’re feeling stressed-out,
tell your excess cortisol to hit the road with a yoga posture, or just move
around and stretch.
Find Balance with DHEA
The body’s most abundant naturally occurring pro-hormone,
DHEA, is crucial to counterbalance cortisol levels. Unfortunately, DHEA
gradually decreases after age 25, while cortisol levels steadily increase as we
age. When the DHEA to cortisol ratio is 10:1, a healthier balance is found.
DHEA is the only thing that counterbalances the negative effects of cortisol. Think
of Twist 25 DHEA cream
as yet another natural stress management solution. So maintain DHEA levels to
feel and look your best and help reduce the negative effects cortisol can have.
More
Natural Solutions
Erin Chamerlik, of Get Better Wellness
Inc., offers some great ideas about stress management on her blog,
noting, “the body can perceive stress from food and environmental toxins,
nutrient deficiencies, and lack of appropriate sleep ...” She supports the idea
of using bioidentical DHEA cream, and also suggests vitamin supplements, and
herbal oils that can soothe the soul, relax you, and bring joy to your senses.
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