Take This Time to Slow Down and Relax

It can be difficult to slow down and relax this time of year. But I challenge you all to take moments to remember to sit and relax. Check back with my previous post here on checking in prior to meals and making sure you are eating relaxed and why that is important.

Enjoy the moments of friends and laughter. Let it recharge you and fill your tank. Take moments during the day to engage your parasympathetic nervous system and breathe when it all overwhelms you. Box Breathing can help you slow down and engage your parasympathetic nervous system, allowing you to handle the seasonal stress better. Learn more about box-breathing here. You can also get apps for your phone that can help with breathing.

Chamomile is the herb I’d like to focus on this time. Almost everyone has chamomile tea in their cupboard. If you are feeling stressed, raid their tea cabinet, brew some tea, and sip on it while taking some deep breaths. I’ve yet to find a cabinet that didn’t have it!

Brew it well, though! Most people don’t brew enough or long enough. Try 2-3 bags of Chamomile and steep it for 30 min. It is much stronger at this dosage and so powerful! If you don’t want to get sleepy, just do 2 bags or sip on it.

Chamomile is for anyone! The young to the old! However, if you get butterflies in your stomach or get an upset stomach when stressed, then chamomile is great for you! If your kids are extra whiny this time of year, then Chamomile tea is for the win! It can also be helpful for those craving attention that they are not getting at this time of year. It’s like a big hug in a mug! Mathew Wood says Chamomile is for whiny, fussy babies of all ages. So, if you find yourself a little extra weepy or whiny at this time of year, grab a cup of Chamomile tea! If you get overstimulated from the days activities. Grab 3 bags of chamomile and put it in 4oz water steep it for 30 minutes and drink that 30 min prior to bed. It will knock you out!

Chamomile is anti-inflammatory, so if you get inflamed at this time of year, eating things you shouldn’t help tame that inflammation. I like to add a pinch of ginger for extra anti-inflammatory effects. Its bitterness (when brewed longer than 15 min.) can help mitigate the effects of sugar. It can also help with post-meal bloating from the effects of, I ate too much or ate something I shouldn’t have.

Chamomile is such a powerful herb, but so gentle that many people forget about it or think they need something stronger. Give it a try this year! You can find it at many coffee shops, grocery stores, or convenient stores if needed!

If stress is something you struggle with book an appointment with me for free to discover how I can help you conquer stress this year!