When working with people for cardiovascular and heart health, our naturopathic doctors always take a holistic approach to individualized care, considering each person’s health history, genetic factors, diet and lifestyle habits, and any current risk factors. Prevention is essential to decrease the risk of heart-related issues in the future, and our doctors use various tools and education to support clients in managing their heart health for years or even decades. One of our favorite additions to a heart-healthy routine is incorporating herbs or targeted supplements alongside diet and lifestyle suggestions to support long-term cardiovascular health. There are several herbs to choose from, each with a unique role in supporting heart health. Here are some of our favorite herbs to choose from and why we may choose each one:

Herbs For Better Heart Health

Hawthorn berry (Crataegus spp). People often use hawthorn, a classic European cardiotonic, as an herbal preparation to actively support their cardiovascular system. Most notably, hawthorn works on dilating coronary arteries and helping the cells within cardiac muscles, reducing pressure and supporting the endothelium. Most hypertension medications can interact with hawthorn berry, and it is advisable to avoid using it when a client is currently taking statin or other cardioactive drugs. We often use this herb in solid extract or phytocapsule form.  

 

Linden leaf & flower (Tilia spp.) This is considered a “hypotensive” (blood pressure lowering) herb with an affinity for calming the nervous system associated with mild stress. It is gentle, uplifting, and beneficial as a tea infusion or combined with your favorite herbs for relaxing the mind and body, such as chamomile, tulsi, or lavender. When you sip on this beautiful tea, you can enjoy its delicate fruity and floral taste. 

 

Garlic (Allium spp.) You probably already have this powerhouse of an herb in your kitchen, and it is one of our favorites to incorporate into the daily diet for cholesterol and heart health support. Garlic has been shown to reduce LDL and total cholesterol levels and, like Linden, is considered a mild hypotensive. We like adding fresh, crushed garlic to most meals throughout the week for this effect.  

 

Assessing Vitamins and Nutrients for Cardiovascular Support

Research shows that many individuals with cardiac concerns lack specific nutrients and vitamins. This can occur over time due to activity level and, in some cases, from particular medications, injury, or surgery. The heart requires specific fuel for adequate function, including B vitamins, Vitamin D, CoQ10, iron, and electrolytes such as magnesium, potassium, sodium, and calcium. It may be necessary to assess an individual’s heart for specific proteins and essential fatty acids that can help to nourish it. Assessing vitamin, mineral, and crucial fatty levels is extremely useful when someone has cardiovascular risk or damage.

In some cases, low or high levels could put one at risk for cardiovascular vulnerability; thus, we want balance. Overall, we recommend assessing iron, ferritin, B12, folate, Vitamin D, total protein, and electrolytes as a starting place. If your vitamin levels are low, you may need to adjust your diet or take supplements. However, determining the appropriate dosage will depend on your medical history and lifestyle.

 

Approaching Each Case Individually

Holistic approaches can be effective in managing cardiovascular issues that can have varying symptoms. To manage hypertension, it is important to address various factors such as diet, lifestyle, stress, genetics, and herbal remedies. There are two types of hypertension: primary hypertension and secondary hypertension. Primary hypertension refers to high blood pressure with no apparent cause. While secondary hypertension is caused by an underlying pathology, such as kidney disease or endocrine imbalance. It is important to note that clients with secondary hypertension should be under the continuing care of their doctor.

It’s important to use multiple methods to support cardiovascular health and protect against high blood pressure. Herbal and nutrient approaches can support the epithelium, the inner lining of heart vessels. With each case, our NDs look for the underlying cause of what is potentiating the blood flow. This will help us choose a plan wisely and more precisely for the underlying cause of the problem.

If you have questions or concerns regarding your heart health and seek personalized support, consider making an appointment with one of our naturopathic doctors today.

When February arrives, we celebrate the return of the sun and the care and keeping of our emotional hearts through glittery red and pink hearts and streamers. However, amidst all the festivities, we often overlook the significance of heart health. This is a perfect time to remember the importance of caring for our physical hearts and showing them love. The CDC reports that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in men and women in the US and is a significant health issue globally. Cardiovascular disease costs the US healthcare system more than $200 billion per year. This highlights the importance of a robust preventive approach through patient education. At Richmond Natural Medicine, we see many patients with common diagnoses such as high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and high cholesterol. Our practitioners take a holistic approach to managing and treating these conditions. We focus on patient education, diet, and lifestyle recommendations, and personalized therapeutic suggestions that can work seamlessly with conventional care when needed.

Read More: Naturopathic Approach to Cardiovascular Health

Cardiovascular Health at Every Age

20s and 30s – Stay active and healthy with daily exercise, a vegetable and phytonutrient-rich diet, and maintain your annual visit to your primary care doctor to assess your blood work each year. We strongly encourage adopting a Mediterranean-style diet as a long-term approach to support heart health through healthy eating. It incorporates healthy fats, a variety of protein sources, whole grains, and plenty of fresh fruits and veggies. To maintain a healthy cardiovascular system, experts strongly recommend that you engage in group sports. They also advise taking long walks, swimming, and hiking to strengthen your bones and muscles. At the same time, it incorporates healthy fats, a variety of protein sources, whole grains, and plenty of fresh fruits and veggies. To maintain a healthy cardiovascular system and strengthen your bones and muscles, experts strongly recommend that you engage in group sports, take long walks, swim, and hike. Finally, avoid smoking and vaping, as this is a leading contributor to cardiovascular disease. 

40s – This is a time to assess your daily and weekly habits while continuing to track your annual blood work each year. 

• Monitor your total cholesterol levels and blood pressure regularly.
• Manage stress through counseling or holistic support.
• Watch your weight as metabolism and weight management can change in your 40s.
• Stay active with daily exercise, including weight training.
• Seek guidance from a qualified nutritionist for a heart-healthy diet.

50s to 70s

50s—Similar to your 40s, pay attention to any new sensations or symptoms you experience in any area. Don’t brush off any symptoms of sleep disturbance, overall sluggishness, heart arrhythmias or palpitations, or hormonal changes. Maintain the good habits you put in place in previous years, and as always, pay attention to your stress levels, maintain your exercise habits, and eat a colorful, phytonutrient-rich diet. 

The 60s- 70s – At this time, other conditions may arise that need to be addressed and cared for while making necessary adjustments to your lifestyle, supplement needs, and overall diet. As directed by your care team, do your best to maintain movement and exercise daily through weight training, walks, swimming or group classes. Stress management and mental health support are always encouraged to keep a strong mind and body. At the same time, nutrient needs may need to be assessed individually for any deficiencies or extra needs. Work closely with your naturopathic doctor, nutritionist, or primary care team to get the personalized support you need. 

How can naturopathic medicine be used alongside conventional treatment?

When cardiovascular disease is already present, naturopathic medicine can provide support before and after surgery, during cardiac rehabilitation, and in the following years to prevent a future event. Your team can guide you regarding appropriate exercise and incorporating a heart-healthy diet in real life. Some popular diets are not heart-friendly; genetics may also affect cholesterol management. Naturopathic therapies are useful when an individual’s blood pressure is not well-controlled on pharmaceuticals, managing early kidney disease resulting from hypertension or diabetes, and providing natural medicines if prescription medications are not well-tolerated.

For Cardiovascular Health, Prevention is Key

For healthy individuals, there is nothing better than exercise for prevention. High-intensity interval training on a bicycle, treadmill, or elliptical is very efficient. Even yoga or meditation to calm the nervous system can be useful for cardiac health. Paying attention to your overall diet is essential for heart health and cholesterol management, and having your yearly physical with your primary care provider should be a priority. If time and conditioning are challenging, start where you are; walking is awesome!

Read More: CDC Prevents Heart Disease

If you seek support with cardiovascular health and would like to incorporate functional and naturopathic medicine principles into your health plan. Request an appointment or call our office for more information at (804) 977-2634.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is reported to affect approximately 4.4% of adults ages 18-44 in the US. Doctors commonly diagnose ADHD in childhood, with a diagnosis given to approximately 11% of children aged 6-17. Of those diagnosed, less than half will experience symptoms that continue into adulthood (1). Symptoms of ADHD may include difficulty staying focused, being easily distracted, hyperactivity, impulsivity, lack of attention to detail, and forgetfulness. These symptoms, while experienced at some point by every one of us, can excessively negatively impact the quality of life and social interactions of those with ADHD. These symptoms can affect relationships, jobs, education, and overall mental health over the years into adulthood. A naturopathic approach looks beyond the diagnosis- seeking to support the unique individual with ADHD. The goal is to reduce ADHD symptoms as a result of enhancing one’s overall level of health and to find the underlying causes.

 

Read More: Naturopathic Approach to Children with ADHD

 

Like many imbalances, ADHD may occur from a variety of inputs, and more research is being done today to look into contributing factors. Along with a potential genetic component, environmental and psycho-social factors can play a role, including overall stress, diet, blood sugar regulation, cortisol, lifestyle, intergenerational imprints, and social environments (2). Addressing these issues takes time and individual questioning to gather past and current lifestyle factors and history of symptoms. Your naturopathic doctor will look into all of these areas and potentially suggest supportive remedies including nutrients, homeopathics, herbal teas or tinctures, and/or diet and lifestyle changes. Some of these can include:

Diet and lifestyle changes

1. Food intolerances: Sometimes, a person’s diet contains food that does not break down well. This can result in added stress on the body and show up in various ways, including gastrointestinal inflammation and mental or emotional difficulties. Food intolerances can also impact neurological and endocrine function. Thus, identifying and removing food intolerances is important in addressing ADHD in adults.
2. Whole-foods-based diet: Aiming for adequate protein three times daily and plenty of fruits and vegetables is key. Whole grains and healthy fats are also important to fuel brain health. Regular protein consumption helps to balance blood sugar levels and makes reducing sugar intake easier.
3. Sleep: The benefits of establishing a routine that ensures proper sleep quantity and quality are incredible. Sleep hygiene involves reducing screen time 30-60 minutes before bed and ensuring the bedroom is cool and completely dark. Electronics and lights can adversely affect those with ADHD. If there’s difficulty falling or staying asleep, certain herbs, homeopathic remedies, and nutrients may be indicated.

The Role of Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic modalities can be used concurrently with conventional medicine and may reduce the need for medication. Naturopathic care plans often include diet and lifestyle changes, herbal teas or tinctures, nutrient supplementation, and homeopathic remedies. Understanding how each individual is experiencing their ADHD symptoms and discovering what’s most limiting for them is important in the naturopathic approach. Often, naturopathic doctors look at gastrointestinal health, endocrine function, liver detoxification pathways, and the nervous system when working with ADHD. In selecting therapies, it’s important to consider how ADHD affects a person’s mental and emotional state in addition to their physical body.

 

There is not a single ADHD protocol that’s right for every person with ADHD. Understanding which organ systems need the most support and restoring optimal function in these places is important. These pieces are combined when building a comprehensive naturopathic care plan. If you or a family member have questions or concerns about ADHD support, please contact Richmond Natural Medicine and speak with one of our Naturopathic Doctors. 

 

References: 

1. National Institutes of Mental Health: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder 
2. National Institutes of Health: ADHD Fact

Bone broths and Bieler (vegetarian) broths have found their way onto mainstream grocery store shelves and top wellness and dietary trends lists. Although these broths have been used for generations in dozens of cultures, bone and Bieler broth popularity is perhaps one of the most foundational and simple nutritional remedies that we can easily incorporate into our own kitchens and weekly batch-prep routines. Here are a few of the benefits of consuming bone broth and Bieler broth regularly:

 

• Rich in nutrients and easy to digest, bone and Bieler broths support overall immune function and can gradually support recovery during and after illness. 
• Bieler broth can help to alkalize the body and can be used during a gentle detoxification process to support liver and gallbladder health. 
• Unlike a juice fast or cleanse, Bieler broth contains essential fiber along with nutrients to encourage healthy bowel function. 
• Bone broth is moderately gelatinous and easily digestible making it a therapeutic and nourishing input for those with impaired digestion and absorption while enhancing overall gastrointestinal function.  
• Bone broth contains collagen, a protein that supports healthy joint function and skin health. 

 

Read More: The Benefits of Medicinal Mushrooms

Bone Broth Recipe:

Bone broth is a very forgiving and flexible recipe, and you can use many different ingredients based on what you have on hand. The foundational input here is of course bones, and the other ingredients can be optional: 

• The bones of 1 chicken carcass (saved from a roast chicken) including legs, wings, and neck OR beef bones 
• Optional: shiitake mushrooms, 3-4 garlic cloves, bay leaf, rosemary sprig, 1-2 full celery stalks
• Add to a large pot or dutch oven and cover generously with filtered water 
• Add a pinch of sea salt to season
• Add 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (this acidity helps to break down the collagen in the bones)
• Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Cover, and let simmer for 10 hours. 
• The liquid will reduce significantly as the flavor enhances and the collagen is extracted. 
• Strain the liquid and store it in airtight, glass containers in the refrigerator or freezer. 

 

Bieler Broth Recipe

1 large zucchini, chopped

2 cups green beans (fresh or frozen)

3-4 celery stalks, chopped

1 cup chopped parsley

Pinch of sea salt

Squeeze of lemon juice

1 tablespoon ghee (can omit if prefer vegan option and add miso or seaweed towards the end)

 

Place the zucchini, green beans, celery, and ghee in a partially covered saucepan and cover with about 4-5 cups of filtered water. Let simmer together until the vegetables are soft, about 20 minutes. Add in the parsley, and use an immersion blender to blend the soup into a pure, or add the ingredients to a blender and blend until just smooth. Add in the lemon, and blend once more about 10 seconds. Enjoy immediately, or store in the refrigerator in a glass container. 

 

Many people have a cupboard full of supplements that have been accumulated over the months or even years. The supplements might have been acquired due to recommendations from a practitioner; social media mentions targeted advertisements, or seasonal fads. It’s easy to get carried away with acquiring supplements, but often, people cannot remember why they started taking a particular supplement in the first place. If you’re one of those people with a kitchen cabinet full of half-used supplements, it might be time to learn how to do a supplement audit at home to assess whether these supplements are still necessary for your wellness routine.

 

Here are the steps to do a supplement audit at home:

 

Step 1: Take out all your supplements and place them on a counter or table in front of you.

 

Step 2: Pick up each supplement individually and ask yourself, “Why am I taking this supplement?” If you have a clear answer and a current reason for continuing the supplement, place it in a separate pile. If you can’t remember why you were taking the supplement or haven’t been taking it routinely for a specific reason, place it in another pile.

 

Step 3: In the pile of “currently taking for good reasons,” check the expiration date of each supplement. If any expired, dispose of the contents and recycle the bottle. Make a list of these supplements to replace if necessary.

 

Step 4: As you sort through the pile of supplements that you are currently taking for good reason and that have not yet expired, ask yourself if you have been taking any of them for more than a year. If the answer is yes, it may be time to reassess the need for the supplement or make an appointment with your prescribing provider to ensure it’s still applicable to your current state of health or if you need to discontinue or change the dose.

 

Supplements should change as your health changes. Make sure to update your supplement protocol as your health status changes yearly or season to season if needed.

 

Step 5: If you have been taking a supplement consistently for six months or more, ask yourself if you have seen or felt any benefit from it since you started. If you answered no, please write it down and consult your prescribing nutritionist or physician to follow up on any relevant lab work or to confirm whether it is still appropriate to continue taking the medication for the original reasons given.

 

Step 6: In the pile of “I can’t remember why I started taking this supplement,” check the expiration date of each supplement. It’s important to properly dispose of the contents and recycle the bottle if any of your supplements have expired. Please take a moment to consider whether you have any valid reasons to continue taking supplements that have not expired. If you do, make a note of it and check with your healthcare provider. If you don’t have a valid reason, it’s likely that you can remove that supplement from your collection.

 

Finally, with the remaining supplements, you can bring them to your ND at Richmond Natural Medicine and double-check if they still apply to your current state of health. Naturopathic doctors are here to tailor your health routine to your current state of health and future health goals. Getting a second set of professional eyes on your supplement routine might be helpful to keep them therapeutically hopeful and financially sensible to your lifestyle and budget.

Happy New Year from your team at Richmond Natural Medicine! 

As we begin another January and embark on the year ahead, we wanted to invite you to take things a little more slowly and be compassionate with yourself if you’re reflecting on some healthy habits to start the new year. Winter is traditionally a time of rest, reflection, and hibernation, so if you’re feeling a bit more lethargic this time of year, that is very normal. Here are a few healthy and peaceful habits we are reflecting on for this new year:

 

Take a bird’s eye view of your year from season to season. Zoom out from this month and take a more broad view of the year from a seasonal perspective. Is there a health goal, small habit, or improvement/shift you would like to make seasonally that can improve your health and well-being? For example, winter may be a nice time to batch-cook a large pot of soup each week to ensure you have a nourishing, warming meal each day. Spring may be a time to set a goal of a 30-minute outdoor walk each day, and summer may be a time to focus on plenty of daily water intake. 

 

Connect with the environment around you. Take a few minutes to notice small things in nature around you, even if you are in a city environment. Our connection to nature is deeply rooted in our daily health and circadian rhythm. Taking time to notice the gradual changes in nature allows us to invite that pace of small, sustainable change within ourselves. A unique way to do this may be to join a local CSA (community support agriculture) to enjoy seasonal produce from nearby farms throughout the year. 

 

Read More: Stocking Your Pantry for the New Year 

 

Daily movement and exercise have profound benefits for long-term health. Even just thirty minutes a day or an afternoon walk can benefit mental health, weight support, blood sugar regulation, and improving sleep. If you don’t have an hour to commit to exercise each day, don’t let that stop you from taking a few minutes to take a walk in your neighborhood, around your office building, or at the local trails. 

 

Enjoy a weekly or monthly infrared sauna visit. You may know the therapeutic benefits of a sauna, but infrared heat not only works superficially on the skin but also works on the body’s deeper tissues. In case you haven’t had the opportunity to experience the benefits of an infrared sauna, here are some attributes: it is known to improve mood and relaxation, assist with stress management, regulate the immune system, and even assist with pain. RNM’s in-house infrared sauna is available for patients seen in the last 12 months as an additional resource for their physical, mental, and emotional healing. Contact the front desk to get more information about sauna times and memberships. 

 

January is an opportunity to reflect and continue to rest into winter. Hibernation and sinking down into the season often contrast with the societal norm of setting many goals and resolutions. Still, we’d like to offer another avenue to go a little more slowly. If you want guidance or personalized support in meeting or maintaining your health goals this year, talk with one of our naturopathic doctors. You can schedule an appointment here. 

 

There is a comfort in the predictability of every seasonal shift. Throughout the year we can expect the same cycle of familiar holidays, academic calendars, birthdays, or family celebrations, and truth be told the predictability of events and seasonal changes can perhaps feel either exciting or a little tiring. During the new year, there is often an onslaught of media that encourages the “new year, new you” behavior that always seems to require sweeping resolutions and habit changes, or expensive (short-term) detoxes and cleanses. This may indeed be a time for reflection on your year to gain clarity around some new goals or shifts you would like to make, and we would love to offer some encouragement on how to do this mindfully and sustainably for this new year. 

 

Read More: Detoxification – What is Means and why COLOR Matters

Winter is a Time of Reflection

Winter is a season of inward reflection. Of resting, nourishing, hibernating, slowing down, and taking some pause. We can see this in every corner of nature – the trees are resting, the land is quiet, the colors are a little less vibrant, and the cold air encourages us to sip on warmth and bundle in our homes. This is, energetically speaking, not an ideal time to go head first into grandiose lifestyle changes or major overhauls to our body or diets. Instead, sink into the reflective offering of the winter season and dig deep into the core of the changes you are really feeling moved to make. Take care of your mental health, gentle exercise, sleep routines, and small moments of comfort. These seemingly small parts of your daily routine are big foundations for bigger changes you may be wanting to make later in the year. 

 

Read More: Mental Health Support in Winter 

Small is Sustainable

Small pieces make up a much larger puzzle when we can stick with them. Some of the most basic and simple parts of a healthy lifestyle can easily be overlooked when thinking they are too simple to make any difference. However, we always need a strong foundation before we can build anything that lasts. Small, daily habits like drinking enough water, taking a walk outside, devoting time for quality sleep, reducing screen time, or even having meaningful connections each day are essential for our long-term health and wellness. Try to pick a few of these to incorporate into your daily routines this season and make them habits. 

 

Acknowledge Your Behaviors

On making any changes in our routines, habits, or behaviors, we should be honest with ourselves about how and why we may not follow through on things. You know your body better than anyone else, and before you make a new goal or challenge for yourself, reflect back on when you may have tried something like this before, and why you were either successful or unsuccessful. Take a good hard look at what works well for you and what doesn’t, and how it is possible to improve a behavior. What challenges or obstacles may be in your way, If you need to implement extra help for you to follow through to make yourself more successful, do so. 

From all of the folks here at RNM, we wish you a peaceful and joyful new year. Our practitioners are here to support you in your health and wellness goals throughout the year and are always here to answer any questions you have. Please be in touch, and we hope to see you soon!

In the winter months, we always keep our cupboards filled with warming, soothing teas and tonics to stay cozy and share with visiting friends and family. Keeping in mind the energetics of the season, we suggest balancing the cold and damp temperatures outside with warming and more drying herbs and tonics. Below are a few of our favorite beverages and herbal supports for the winter season:

 

1. Lemon + Ginger Tea – a classic combination of zesty and warm ginger with tart lemon feels extra comforting on cold and damp evenings. This is a wonderful tea to drink daily if you’ve got a cold or feel the “sniffles” coming on, as ginger warms the body from the inside out and lemon offers an extra kick of vitamin C. Traditional Medicinals makes one of our preferred blends of Lemon & Ginger tea. 

 

1. Mushroom-enhanced coffee – for a boost of morning enlightenment, an organic coffee with cerebral supporting mushrooms Lions Mane & Chaga help our brains take on the day with enhanced mental focus and long-term positive mood. We like Four Sigmatic Think Whole Bean Coffee for this unique combination. 

 

1. Matcha – for those with a lower caffeine intake, matcha is an ideal choice for a gentle boost of energy along with mental clarity. Because matcha contains both caffeine and the amino acid L-theanine, this is a more mentally and physically calming energy boost than coffee, along with the added benefit of antioxidants. 

 

1. Tulsi + Rose – for those with a touch of the winter blues, tulsi is our go-to herb that feels like a hug in a cup. Part of the mint family, tulsi is a delicious and uplifting herb that supports not only our mental state, but has traditionally been used to enhance one’s spiritual practice, support overall digestion, and as a gentle adaptogen. Paired with the sweetness of rose petals, this flavor combination is a wonderful herbal tea to enjoy every day as part of your morning routine or to share with a friend over a winter visit. We enjoy Organic India’s Tulsi Rose tea. 

 

1. Dream Elixir – with longer nights and (hopefully) a bit more time for sleep, this can be a fun season to play while enjoying our dream time and evening rituals. If you have ever enjoyed having vivid dreams, or sometimes have a difficult time remembering your dreams the next day, herbs such as passionflower and skullcap can enhance your dreams while the calming benefits of ashwagandha and kava kava make a soothing transition into bedtime. We enjoy this unique Dream Elixir in our evening routines. 

Read More: Winter Fluctuations: Weight Emotions & Sleep Support

Like many of our clients here at RNM, stress reduction is almost always on our radar. “Reduce your stress” sounds simple – identify what your stressors are and reduce them. However, so much of our daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly stress simply cannot be removed. We must continue to live with it as more and more may pile on. Chronic stress is one of the primary contributors to cardiovascular disease, migraine headaches, digestive imbalance, endocrine disorders (including thyroid and chronic fatigue), inflammatory skin conditions including shingles, and even poor sleep. We all deal with stress differently, and our triggers vary widely. But there are specific things you can do that can make a difference.

 

Read More: Taking Care of Parents: Seasonal Stress Support

 

You may notice that when you are stressed and anxious, your nervous system feels very agitated like you’re on the edge of your seat or highly reactive to even small stimuli or situations. This is because our nervous system is largely responsible for our “fight or flight” reaction and regulates our stress response, along with various other hormones throughout the body. Our nervous system is a major communication pathway throughout our body, highly receptive to conscious and unconscious cues and triggers.

 

Read More: The Key to Vibrant Health – The Adrenal Glands

 

Here are a few small habits to help get you started in reducing daily stressors:

 

• List the “optional” stress and the “necessary” stress. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, sit down and make a list of every single thing you find stressful. Nothing is too big or small, glaring or petty to include on this list. This can include your job, your kids, a co-worker, the traffic on your way to work, how your partner loads the dishwasher, the amount of endless laundry, a never-ending email inbox, the news being on in the background of your home, etc. Divide this list into your necessary stress (the things you can’t just get rid of but must continue to address), and “optional” stress (the things you choose to default into stress, such as being irritated in traffic, the co-worker frustrations, your partner completing a task differently than how you would do it, etc). 

• Set a goal of reducing your stress load by 10%. Choose one of the above “optional” stressors to practice removing or changing how you approach this for at least one week. This is, maybe, a 10% reduction in your daily or weekly stress. Really pay attention every time this stressor presents itself, and practice letting it go or responding to it differently. 

• Practice the 60-second deep breath. When you feel the familiar twinge of agitation, take 60 seconds for a slow, deep inhale and exhale. This allows your nervous system to regulate, calm, and more peacefully engage. 

• When possible, delegate and step back. Understandably, we feel stressed because we have too much on our plates and sometimes no one else to share the load. However, let’s take on too much because we want to control the outcomes to our liking. There is a fine line between relinquishing control to gain more time while appreciating the completion from another perspective. Practice with small things first. 

• Notice your small pauses and sink into them. If you’re stopped at a red light, in line at the grocery store, or in the waiting room for an appointment, these are all excellent opportunities to observe yourself (energy, mood, and your body sensations ) and your surroundings. Don’t be too quick to zone out on your phone during these small moments. Let your nervous system relax, and notice what’s around you while you pause. 

If you notice that stress impacts your quality of life or overall health, check in with us and consider making an appointment to see one of our naturopathic doctors. We would love to help you balance your life and wellness in a way that works for you sustainably and positively.