Sherri's Helpful Hints

Ways to Reduce Stress

Want To Feel Better? Have Some Chinese Food...
To start chasing away those blues, enjoy some Chinese food, such as a Sweet and sour chicken, orange beef. Any Chinese food that has a wonderful tangy flavor is said to simulate the brain center that is responsible for joy. So if you are having a really bad day. Perhaps you should do Chinese for lunch?

Have A Hot Fudge Sundae... Yes, a hot fudge sundae...
Treat yourself to a hot fudge sundae. The ice cream has loads of calcium plus folic acid, which have been proven to be mood elevators. The combination also boosts the production of serotonin, which is known to keep one happy for a longer period. When you add the dark chocolate, you add a great tasting cancer fighter.

Orange And Lemon Peel Rejuvenate Your Immune System...
The essence of orange and lemon peel, well known to have a substance called limonoids that has been proven (Texas A&M University study ) to be a cancer preventing property. Plus the peels of these citrus fruits are high in Vitamin C, which is known to aid in rejuvenating the body's immune system. So don't discard the peel, add it into your foods, or grate the peel and us as a topper, or sprinkle into your tea.

SAGE--- Curb Your Stress, Naturally...
Sage is good for more than seasoning chicken or stuffing. Sage Is a wonderful herb that studies have shown to improve ones mood. Sage (Salvia officinalis) is a perennial flower with lavender flowers, and leathery green leaves. Its been used for centuries in cooking and for medicinal use. An English herbalist Gerard stated, "Sage is good for the head and brain, it quickeneth the senses and memory." Gerard said this In 1597. So you can see sage was being used as far back as the 1500s for its good properties.

What Is known about sage today? Through lab studies sage has been proven to slow the release of enzymes that are proven to break down acetylcholine. Acetylcholines are essential neurotransmitter. By inhibiting these enzymes there is good proof that it improve mood by maintaining optimal levels of acetylcholine. Blind research studies were done by a British researchers with 30 healthy young volunteers. Some volunteers being given Sage leaf extract, some being given sugar pills. After 4 hours the volunteers that had taken the sage , were calmer and alert, than the volunteers that received the placebo. Sage Leaf Capsules can be found in health food stores. Dose recommendation is 600mg. To be taken before a stressful event or if in stress. You may also try sage tea, To make add 1cup boiling water, with 1 teaspoon dried sage, steep, and enjoy. (Caution do not take if pregnant).

Slow Down -- Walk Don't Run...
At the end of the day, don't add to your fatigue with a jog...Invigorate your body with a stroll. According to the research done at the Greece Aristotle University, walking is more likely to invigorate the body. Research shows that the high intensity of a run leaves one more likely to rest more after the run. Not actually fighting fatigue but adding to the level of fatigue. It is proven that a moderate walk as a rule invigorates, and adds to ones energy level, and lifts the spirits.

Make Time In Your Day To Relax...
Give your body a chance to slow down and feel truly relaxed.
Take time out to just sit and listen to soft music. It is a very well know fact, even a short time spent listening to music can be very rejuvenating to the body and soul.

Happy Memories from Photos...
Sit down and reminisce by looking at your favorite photos. You can't help but have wonderful feelings viewing past good times that have been captured in photos.

A Candlelight Bath & Baby Powder...A wonderful way to relax at bedtime, a relaxing bath with a few candles lit, topped off by a dusting of baby powder. Not only is the powder soothing. The sent is known to be very relaxing and in some way trigger wonderful childhood memories.

Massage -- It Will Really Relax You...
If you want to feel peppy, get a massage. I am not talking about a costly Spa massage. This massage can be done just about anywhere. Ear massage; massage your entire ear with two fingers using just a light pressure. It does work for most people; it is very invigorating.

Think of Turning that Frown Upside Down...
Endorphins are our body's own feel-good, pain-reducing chemicals. We not only produce endorphins with what we eat, but when we smile. Studies have shown that the curvature of the mouth in an upward position, triggers the brain to produce endorphins. Hard to believe that just a smile can get your endorphins racing... So smile frequently, and see if your mood does not improve.

Laugh Yourself Happy...
Put on that favorite funny movie. Laughing is definitely one of the best stress relievers. You definitely produce endorphins when you laugh. It is unbelievable just how fast you will feel better after you've had a really good laugh.