Hopefully most of you will be enjoying a well-earned break over the summer to spend precious time with friends and family. When life gets busy I really relish a few unplanned days where spontaneousness has space to happen.
With it’s sunshine and longer days Summer can be an amazing time for recharging your batteries and making memories. But if you’re stressed, over worked or exhausted it’s hard to make the most of it. Here are a few tips for a happy, healthy summer.
It’s that time of year when some of us start to feel the pressure building as ‘time runs out’ before Christmas. Or maybe you’re only halfway through your ‘to do’ list for 2016? (guilty!). How did December sneak up on you so fast? If any of this rings true to you, think about supporting your nervous system with a few key nutrients:
Adaptogens are herbs that help regulate the chemicals our adrenal glands produce during times of stress, thereby reducing the severity of symptoms. A great mothers tonic is the herbal combination of Withania somnifera, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Hypericum perforatum and Siberian ginseng. Just amazing for nourishing over-stretched Mums (and Dads too).
Consider taking a B complex in the morning and magnesium at night. The B complex vitamins are essential for energy while the magnesium will help with a busy brain before bed. Get some advice before taking anything new as we don’t all suit the same combinations or dosages, and some things interact with medications.
Massage magic
The time out, the relaxing music and environment, the aromatherapy essential oils all contribute to much needed stress relief at this time of year. Make sure you stipulate a relaxation (not sport or deep tissue) massage and ask if relaxing, calming essential oils can be used. Follow this with a ‘do not disturb’ bath at home and a big sleep……. bliss.
Saying no and accepting help when it’s offered (and asking for it when it’s not!), are really subjects for a different kind of article, but they are so important that I can’t help mentioning them.
Professional help
If your stress levels are beyond the self help stage make time to see a Naturopath or Medical Herbalist who can prescribe individualised herbal medicines and nutrients to get you back on track.
Happy Summer everyone!
