Healthy Living and Homeopathy
By Ellen Kramer (MCPH, RSHom)
Healthy living means being able to balance your life and deal with stress in a positive way. Reaction to stress is very specific to the individual, as no two people are the same and we react in different ways.
We often assume stress to be a disease of the high-flying executives, but living in the 21st century presents all of us with stressful situations on a day to day basis (with urgent deadlines, budget problems and crisis management ,debt, mortgage to pay, redundancy, the latest new trainers for the kids, and relationship and families to deal with).
There are no easy answers to these problems but what we can do is help ease the tensions that we experience and try to redesign our life (rather than just survive).
The symptoms of stress can manifest in a variety of ways such as anxiety, palpitations, irritability and feelings of not being able to cope. Often we increase our use of stimulants such as caffeine, alcohol and drugs to get us through the day and to wind down. (If we carry on and do not address the cause of the problems, then we experience more extreme symptoms such as exhaustion, chronic insomnia, depression and physical and emotional breakdown).
When the body is under stress it experiences is the "Fight or Flight" response, which simply means that the body believes it is in danger and therefore releases adrenaline so the person can either fight the danger or simply run away. If the body constantly experiences this it eventually becomes exhausted and worn out.
Homeopathy has many remedies to help with stress, which are free from side effects and stimulate the body to heal itself. They help calm the emotional aspects of stress such as anxiety, frustration, and anger. The Homeopath will look at every aspect of your health, lifestyle, family history and any particular symptoms of stress such as sweating, palpitations, and digestive or sleep disturbances etc. Here are some ways that can help cope with stress and help you return to a healthier lifestyle:-
Practice detachment:
Whenever you can try switching off. Spend 5-10 minutes meditating, letting the tension out through the breath, visualising a pleasant scene.
Organise your day:
Recognise your own body rhythms, (which usually peak during the morning, and therefore is a good time to sort out problems). During the afternoon you can deal with routine and in the evening spend some time relaxing.
Check your diet:
Stressed people often do not eat well and eat "Fast" food. Cut out the coffee/tea, coke and French fries and eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit
Take exercise:
All forms of exercise can be helpful. Yoga and Tai Chi are excellent ways to release tension as well as more physically active sports.
Look at your own personal goals:
What do you want out of your life? Where do you want to be in a year, in 5 years? Construct your own life plans/ include having fun!
Learn a relaxation technique:
Such as meditation, Yoga or self-hypnosis. Walking barefoot on the early morning grass is a great way to start the day as it grounds you and takes the energy from your head. Take frequent breaks to the countryside. Hug some trees!
Consult a practical homeopath:
It is good to talk to someone who is objective. A practical homeopath will not only support you to make healthy life style changes but will look at therapeutic remedies that will help you to deal with stress.
Read more articles:
• Practical Homeopathy
• Homeopathic Remedies
• Hahnemann
• Alternative Medicine
• Classical Homeopathy
• Homeopathic Medicine
• Holistic Medicine
• Medical
• Endocrine
• Health
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• Nutrition
• Herbs
• Depression
• Arthritis
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