Let’s Talk Holiday Stress
November 7, 2022
Stress: A state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or very demanding circumstances.
Physiological Effects of Stress:
Heart disease
High blood pressure
Digestive problems like diarrhea, ulcers, IBS, and more
Anxiety or depression
Sleep disturbances such as insomnia or fatigue
Decreased mental clarity
Decreased immune function
Increased risk for addiction, obesity, diabetes, and more
Physiological Effects of Stress:
Heart disease
High blood pressure
Digestive problems like diarrhea, ulcers, IBS, and more
Anxiety or depression
Sleep disturbances such as insomnia or fatigue
Decreased mental clarity
Decreased immune function
Increased risk for addiction, obesity, diabetes, and more
Common Sources of Stress:
Survival Stress
Fight or flight response.
Internal Stress
Worrying about things we can’t change, or being “stress junkies”.
Environmental Stress
Response to things around you that cause stress.
Fatigue & Overwork
Long-term stress that builds up over time.
Burnout
What happens when stress becomes too much to handle.
Fight or Flight:
Noticeable Effects:
Pupils dilate
Neck and shoulder muscles tense
Heart pumps faster
Chest pains
Palpitations
Sweating
Muscles tense for action
Breathing fast and shallow – hyperventilation
Oxygen needed for muscles
Hidden Effects:
Brain gets body ready for action
Adrenaline released for fight/flight
Blood pressure rises
Liver releases glucose to provide energy for muscles
Digestion slows or ceases
Sphincters close, then relax
Cortisol released (depressed the immune system)
Boost Your Immunity Before the Holidays
COVID is on the rise, the flu is hitting people hard, and we’re fully immersed in cold season. It’s time to order your Immune System Health Packs to provide support in three convenient daily immune system supplement packs. The packs offer an excellent source of calcium, iron, zinc, copper, chromium, folate, iodine and vitamins A, B6, and B12, and antioxidant vitamins C and E. They are also a good source of magnesium and selenium.
SPEAKING OF THE HOLIDAYS…Are you stressed just thinking about what’s to come?
How well do you think you are handling stress? We’ve created a FREE assessment to help you and your health care professional design a personalized program to support your stress response and well-being. Take the test before the holidays and get started on your wellness journey before the New Year!
Dr. Laura E. Cox, DAOM, NFMP, LAc, CHP, LMT
Connect with Dr. Cox on TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram. Ready to meet with Dr. Cox to begin a plan to prioritize the 5 Pillars of Health in your life? Make an appointment today.
