Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Your to do list can wait, your health cannot!

When under stress, our body produces a hormone called Cortisol. High levels of cortisol, caused by chronic stress, can be toxic to the body, and when the Adrenal Glands are producing it in excess, they become fatigued. This in turn can result in the following symptoms:

* fatigue
* non-refreshing sleep
* insomnia
* weight gain
* depression
* Irritability, impatience, quick to anger
* reduced memory
* anxiety
* hair loss
* acne
* cravings for carbs
* cravings for salt
* cravings for sweets
* poor Immune function
* worsened allergies
* reliance on stimulants like caffeine
* head aches
* dizziness

Your to do list can wait...your health cannot!

Life is full of stressful situations that cannot always be avoided, and many of us lead very busy lives. However, if you are experiencing some of these symptoms, then don't you think it's time to embrace the restorative powers of your body and slow down??

R&R is perhaps the most vital key to good health, and getting enough of it, in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise, can help to reverse these undesirable side effects.

So put the to do list away (I'm sure half the stuff on there can wait) and listen to your body! Read a book in the park, sleep in, get a massage, take a guilt free nap outside, play hooky from work, go to bed early, learn to say no to people, and most importantly laugh, think positively, and don't sweat the small stuff!