Stress Relief

Joe Nowell at The Fresh Pharmacy ask...Did you know passion flower is a great way to reduce anxiety and even help with sleep? The herb may be comparable to benzodiazepine drugs, these types of drugs are used to treat stress. It is believed that levels of gamma-aminobutyric acids (GABA) is increased in the brain and thus lowers the activity of brain cells. Creating a more relaxed state!

Other things you can do to reduce stress:

1. Take care of yourself. Eat right, sleep well, rest (take breaks when you need them!), don't sweat the small stuff.

2. Practice living in present time. Stay focused on the present moment rather than regretting the past and worrying about the future. The present moment shows up in three aspects of our being: in the physical body through sensations, in the emotional body through feelings, and in the mental body through thoughts. (reference Jennifer Johnson, licensed Psychotherapist)

3. Live intentionally. Intend to life the live that you want. Take action everyday to do something that gets you closer to that goal. Remember Rome was not built in a day, but be proactive and chip away!

4. Eliminate energy drainers.Things that drain your energy: Either do them, to get them done as you need to. Delegate them to someone else. OR throw them out, if they really aren't a needed burden or priority in your life (if they aren't really going to help you reach your goals). As well, don't forget about removing those negative people you allow in your life, there is no place for them if you want to reduce stress.

Relaxation Techniques

The Fresh "Compounding" Pharmacy is happy to share this link for...

Relaxation Techniques

Relaxation techniques are one of the most effective ways to increase sleep time, fall asleep faster, and feel more rested in the morning. They require a minimum of 20 minutes before going to bed. There are many different techniques:

• Visualization - involves imagining a relaxing scene. You can try it in bed before falling asleep. Involve all your senses. If you're imagining yourself on a tropical island, think of the way the warm breeze feels against your skin. Imagine the sweet scent of the flowers, look at the water and listen the waves--you get the picture. The more vivid the visualization and the more senses you involve, the more effective it will be.
• Relaxation Response - A mind/body technique based on the principles of Transcendental Meditation. Learn how to elicit the relaxation response
• Mindfulness - A type of meditation that essentially involves focusing on your mind on the present. Learn mindfulness.
• Yoga - combines deep breathing, meditation, and stretching. A Harvard study found that daily yoga for eight weeks improved total sleep time, the time to fall asleep. 
• Read More at About.Com "Alternative Medicine"