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Happy New Year everyone. Today’s show is my holiday show and yes, I certainly blew the deadline.  It was the second week of January 2020 when I record this and since I’m the creator and make the final decisions on what stays and goes.  I decided to go ahead and post this show. 

The topic of the show is managing Holiday Stress (and stress in general) with herbs.  Yes, the title of the show says Coping with Stress. I changed it because I'm posting it so late.

I debated with myself if I should scrap this show and move on to another subject, but then I thought, just because the holidays are over doesn’t mean people’s stress magically disappeared.   For some, the first of the year is a trigger for stress for a variety of reasons.

December bills are due, and the shock of how much all that merry-making cost is a huge reality check.

The first of the year also marks other life-changing events.  Such as trying to buy or sell a home, starting a new semester at school, or starting a new job.

For others its all hands on deck planning that spring wedding.  Here in the Hartford area, there are bridal shows scheduled for the next 3 months. That's just the Hartford area – there are other locations around the state – and CT is a pretty small state. So it appears we have a lot of blushing brides in Connecticut!

Then for some, the new year brings a new set of stressful challenges in the form of legal problems.  Usually, attorneys advise their clients to wait until after the first of the year to file their petitions for bankruptcy, or divorce.

In addition, if you’ve been paying attention to the national and international news – well, what can I say… It's pretty scary out there.

So my point is – people’s stress didn’t go away after the first of the year and it seems for some, things maybe a bit rough.  So I went ahead and posted the show.

In the last segment of the show, I’ll share with you my Lavender Harmony Tea Recipe which is a nice tea to drink all day long. If you wish to purchase the tea scroll down to the Reference section and I posted information on how you can find me to buy the tea.

Articles mentioned in the show have links to the primary sources for more research. I also list organizations for those seeking professional help in the areas of mental health and money management.

Finally, if you are feeling overwhelmed, right now – please reach out to a professional for help, just scroll down to the reference section and click on any of the mental health links.

Thank you for being here and enjoy the show.

The Mayo Clinic suggests the following 10 Strategies

This is an excerpt from the article Stress, depression and the holidays: Tips for Coping (link to full article below).

1. Acknowledge your feelings
2. Reach out
3. Be realistic
4. Set aside differences
5. Stick to a budget
6. Plan ahead
7. Learn to say no
8. Don't abandon healthy habits
9. Take a breather
10. Seek professional help if you need it

11 Ways to reduce stress in your life

1. Take frequent breaks from social media and news outlets – and/or don’t engage at all. 

2. Create boundaries on topics you aren’t willing to discuss.

3. Get a good night's sleep or try and take a nap if you need one.  Being overtired only adds to your stress.

Skullcap, chamomile, and lavender or a combination of these herbs can help with sleep. Have a cup of tea 45 – 1 hr before bed.

4. Cut back or eliminate coffee or caffeine and switch to herbal teas.

5. Stop eating sugar, and foods high in carbohydrates. They are not your friends.

Switch out a bowl of mashed potatoes with a high fiber food such as wild rice, quinoa with mushrooms or smashed cauliflower with herbs mixed in.

By adding more fiber to your diet its the perfect way to level your blood sugar out. Fewer mood swings and feeling sluggish and overtired.

Trust me!  You’ll feel better after eating. 

6. Start drinking more water. It helps keep things moving!

7. Start a routine where you can sit for 20 minutes at some point in the daily and have a cup of tea.

Examples of Nervine Herbs:

            – Milky oats

            – Chamomile

            – Lemon Balm

            – Lavender

            – Valerian Root

            – Skullcap – This one I’d take just before bedtime.

            – St. John’s Wort

            – Rose

This is not a complete list – there are others you can take, but I picked these because they are common and can be found in most health food stores around the country.

And since I’m talking about medicinal herbs versus culinary herbs, I have to add this statement.

I want to stress herbalism is a way of life when using herbs for medicinal purposes to treat certain conditions. You need to be aware:

• •       There are no magic bullets 
• •       No quick fixes that will result in a specific health outcome.   

The secret to using herbs is the accumulation of what I call conscious healthy living and eating.

Understand your body and its limits and don’t be afraid to seek medical treatment if you’re not feeling better.

Most importantly do your homework before taking herbs medicinally.  Make informed decisions based on facts and not someone’s opinion or marketing tagline.

My goal is to teach you how to enhance your health and environment with herbs that will bring you over-all wellness. I offer you detailed information along with primary sources so you can research on your own.

However, I still have to give you my disclaimer so we’re clear…

I’m not a doctor, and if you have questions about your health, please consult a licensed medical professional. 

Some herbs interact with certain medications negatively and if you’re on a prescription drug ask your doctor if the herb you’re interested in taking is safe.

In addition, pregnant and nursing Mother’s please consult your doctor to make sure the herbs you’re taking are safe for you and your baby.

The information discussed in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose or treat anyone.

8. Go for a walk. – indoor our out. Just move!

9. Meditate – According to Harvard Medical School article titled.

What Mediation can do for your mind, mood, and health.

They concluded that:

“Taking a few minutes to focus your mind each day can reduce stress, pain, depression, and more.”

10. Keep a gratitude journal.

According to an article in Psychology Today Article.

There are 7 Scientifically Proven Benefits of Gratitude.

1. Gratitude Opens the Door to More Relationships – 

2. Gratitude Improves Physical Health

3. Gratitude Improves Psychological Health

4. Gratitude Enhances Empathy and Reduces Aggression

5. Grateful People Sleep Better

6. Gratitude Improves Self-Esteem

7. Gratitude Increases Mental Strength

11. Practice Yoga. There are free and paid apps if taking a class is not your style. Youtube has several yoga channels you can watch and follow as well.

Lavender Harmony Tea

Recipe Here

3 Tablespoon Lemon Balm

1 Tablespoon Lavender

1 Tablespoon Milky Oats

Blend together and use 1 heaping tablespoon per cup. Let steep for 5 – 8 minutes before drinking.

Just remember, sometimes the simplest things can make the biggest impact on you emotionally. Find a quiet place for about 20 minutes, even if it's sitting in your car – just be still and have a cup of tea with yourself.

For those wanting to buy this tea, I offer it for sale at the South Windsor Farmers Market during the growing season. During the off-season, orders can be picked up at my home. For more information email me – brenda@thompsonstreetfarm.com.

 

References/Resources

Mayo Clinic| Stress, depression and the holidays: Tips for Coping
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20047544

NOAA| Managing Holiday Stress
https://www.wfm.noaa.gov/pdfs/Conquering_Stress_Handout_1.pdf

NAMI| Avoiding Holiday Stressors: Tips For A Stress Free Season
https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/December-2018/Avoiding-Holiday-Stressors-Tips-for-a-Stress-Free-

NAMI|Major Depressive Disorder With A Seasonal Pattern
https://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-Conditions/Depression/Major-Depressive-Disorder-with-a-Seasonal-Pattern

Psychology Today| 5 Ways Walking in Nature Benefits Sensitive People
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/sense-and-sensitivity/201404/5-ways-walking-in-nature-benefits-sensitive-people

The Difference Between Introverts, Empaths, and Highly Sensitive People
https://introvertdear.com/news/the-difference-between-introverts-empaths-and-highly-sensitive-people/

Harvard Health Publishing| What meditation can do for your mind, mood, and health
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/what-meditation-can-do-for-your-mind-mood-and-health-

7 Scientifically Proven Benefits of Gratitude
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-mentally-strong-people-dont-do/201504/7-scientifically-proven-benefits-gratitude

Mental Health Resources

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
https://nami.org/

Find an Online Counseling Therapist – Psychology Today
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/online-counseling

American Psychological Association – Article with therapy resources listed:
A growing wave of online therapy
https://www.apa.org/monitor/2017/02/online-therapy

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

Money Management

Note: Please do your research. I have not used any of the debt counseling resources. I've read Rich Dad Poor Dad and thought it was worth recommending. The author offers basic money management tips. However, there are many great books on money management. Many local libraries carry best selling titles – make sure to start there first.

America’s Debt Help Organization
https://www.debt.org/credit/counseling/agencies/

In Charge: Debt Solutions (nonprofit)
https://www.incharge.org/?vdn=4084

Money Management International (nonprofit)
https://www.moneymanagement.org/

Definition of Money Management
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Money_management

Dave Ramsey Blog| The Truth About Debt Management
https://www.daveramsey.com/blog/the-truth-about-debt-management

Choose FI Podcast| Money Management, Retirement Planning
https://www.choosefi.com/podcast-episodes/

Books

Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! by Robert T. Kiyosaki
This book is in most libraries or online for free somewhere. Check first for free versions before buying the book.

Public Libary Link

Amazon Link:
https://www.amazon.com/Rich-Dad-Poor-Teach-Middle/dp/1612680194/ref=sr_1_7?crid=79LDODIFLU8P&keywords=money+management+books&qid=1579903500&sprefix=money+man%2Caps%2C168&sr=8-7

Lavender Journal Notebook by Brenda J. Sullivan
https://www.amazon.com/Lavender-Journal-Notebook-Journals-1/dp/1981991883/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=brenda+j+sullivan&qid=1579903342&sr=8-4

Lavender Journal: Notebook Volume 2 by Brenda J. Sullivan
https://www.amazon.com/Lavender-Journal-Notebook-2-Journals/dp/1986118231/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=brenda+j+sullivan&qid=1579903412&sr=8-3

Health Apps for Smart Phones

Argus App
It has free and paid options. I use the free option and just use the step counter only. Available on iTunes.
https://www.azumio.com/s/argus/index.html

AllTrails Pro App
Paid App and I use this to record my hikes and walks. Has thousands of trials and reviews by walkers and hikers nationally. I love this app and highly recommend. Available on iTunes.
https://www.alltrails.com/

Lavender Harmony Tea
available from Thompson Street Farm LLC
www.thompsonstreetfarm.com email me for information on pickup times. Local sales only.

Show's Sponsor

Farm to Bath| Our philosophy is to live a locally focused naturally beautiful life, a lifestyle choice that is infused into the products we make. The ingredients are locally grown and/or acquired and are as basic and pure as nature itself. Each bar is full of fragrant aromatics that provide a rich moisturizing lather with no artificial colors or preservatives added – naturally beautiful!

Counting Starfish| A Thompson Street Farm Learn and Play Series Volume 1
Children learn by experience and are stimulated by imagination. Counting Starfish is designed to build both basic concepts and what better way to learn than from the natural world? Counting Starfish was inspired by starfish (or sea stars) living in a tidal pool off the coast of Alaska. This interactive book teaches children the fundamental concepts of counting to ten with coloring pages providing the opportunity for each child to create their own imaginative version of a colorful Counting Starfish Book.

Music

Special Thank You To Gene Tullio!

The music used in this show is used with permission and is created and produced by Gene Tullio.

Gene's music can be downloaded from Amazon, iTunes, and Spotify. For more information about his music, please contact him at dreamshipmusic@gmail.com

Album: The Dreamship| The Forge Of Life| Copyright 2018

Social Media Links

Please follow us on all our social media outlets. We would love to hear if you tried the recipe(s) from these podcasts.

Please follow us on all our social media outlets. We’d love to hear if you tried the recipe(s) from these podcasts.

Living and Lovin Herbs Website: https://livingandlovinherbs.com/
Instagram: @livingandlovinherbspodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/livingandlovinherbspodcast/?modal=admin_todo_tour
Twitter: @Livingandlovin6
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuuHD-5N2tPYDbWwI4wzIJA

Brenda J. Sullivan Books: https://brendajsullivanbooks.com/