-From the desk of Dr. Brkich
Stress is becoming an increasingly ubiquitous phenomenon in our lives these days, especially with the pandemic. Preparing for and celebrating holidays often results in many of us burning the candle at both ends. We can find ourselves grappling with so much stress that burning out can feel inevitable. It is essential that we pause and catch our breath because stress can take a toll on our health. Stress of any kind, no matter what its cause, can have negative consequences, not only on our mental health, but our physical health as well.
Everyone has their own unique ways of managing their stress. Coffee, alcohol, sleeping pills, anxiety, and antidepressant drugs are go-to stress relievers for many. For others it may be serotonin precursurs such as 5-HTP, GABA, CBD, adrenal adaptogens, nervines and essential oils such as valerian, passion flower, lavender, and lemon balm, to name a few. For still others it may be CBT, homeopathics, acupuncture, yoga, reflexology, therapeutic breathing, tapping, reiki, health spas, and other specialized modalities, all of which can help to take the edge off stress.
Although a certain amount of healthy stress can be good for us, most of us would agree that the less negative stress we have in our lives, the better. Therefore, it is always good to manage and minimizing stress. Stress can be so insidious and chronic that we may not always recognize that we are stressed. Stress can result in a diverse array of symptoms such as heartburn, acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, bloating, stomach pain, digestive discomfort, constipation, diarrhea, hormonal imbalances, menopausal symptoms, skin eruptions such as acne, eczema, hives, and angioedema, allergic or sensitivity reactions, insomnia, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, memory loss, and the list goes on. It is not always obvious that these symptoms may have any connection to stress.
