It’s nearly THAT time of year again.
Nothing brings family and friends together, quite like the holidays. And let’s face it. The food sure isn’t too shabby, either.
But the holidays bring something else along with them too. Something that’s NOT nearly so pleasant.
And that, of course, is stress… stress… and more STRESS.
So before we head into the fray – before the planning and parties – take a deep breath. You’re going to need it.
Because new research shows how all that stress won’t just put your SANITY on the line. It could also harm your health too.
According to researchers, it could damage your immune system leaving you exposed to nasty infections and other serious illnesses.
The holidays send stress levels soaring
If you’re like most folks, you want to slow down and enjoy the season. But you’re just too darned busy.
After all, all that upcoming holiday cheer requires a LOT of planning. And then there’s the spending that goes with it. Both of which can lead to frustration, aggravation, and STRESS.
Especially when those plans go awry, or the hit to your wallet goes beyond what you budgeted for.
And for some folks, this time of year can bring with it some painful reminders – especially of those no longer with us. Seeing everyone else so happy only makes it worse.
Now, the new study reveals the true toll of those high stress levels, no matter what the source. They can put you squarely on the path toward illness.
The study followed folks battling extreme stress. And that included volunteers experiencing acute stress reactions like you might have after the loss of a loved one, or if you’re living with conditions such as PTSD.
And the research uncovered some surprisingly extreme risks.
Holiday hassles raise risk for serious illness
It turns out these kinds of intense stress conditions could increase your chances of contracting the dangerous brain infection meningitis by a stunning 63 percent. And your risk for endocarditis, an infection in the heart’s lining, could shoot up by 57 percent.
But here’s the thing. You DON’T need extreme stress to face some big risks of your own. One discovery in this study could have an impact on anyone. And that’s especially true if you’ve just about reached your limit with holiday hassles.
Stress throws off what’s known as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. And that triggers a domino effect that can…
- cause the body to pump out proteins that trigger inflammation
- leaving you open to infection.
2 step solution to slash sickening stress
The solution? Be sure to slow down… make time to breathe… and relax. Then, follow these two steps for a truly stress-free holiday season….
Step 1: Consider a stress-busting supplement. Ashwagandha, rhodiola, and valerian root are all proven stress-relievers that can help bring calm in even the craziest times.
And for a little more help, consider taking a probiotic supplement too. Look for one that has Bifidobacterium longum and/or Lactobacillus plantarum, two strains that are proven to help ease stress.
Step 2: You can support your immune system with supplements too. Start with a quality multivitamin and an extra shot of vitamins C and E. Zinc, selenium, and folic acid can also give you a shot in the arm minus the actual shot. And the herb Echinacea is proven to help fight off threatening infections like the flu.
And remember there are only 24 hours in a day. That’s not going to ever change. So don’t over-plan and give yourself impossible tasks.
Make sure there’s not only time to do what you have to do, but time for yourself… and, of course, time for SLEEP so you can rest and recharge.
It’s supposed to be a happy time of year. If you find yourself doing too much, don’t be afraid to cut back and give yourself the breathing room you need and deserve. That way, you can truly enjoy the season and all that it brings.
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