Are you running your ‘to-do’ list or is it running you?

It’s that time of year again, the pre-Christmas rush is on; everyone is panicking about what needs to be done before Christmas.   We’re supposed to be winding down but many of us are cranking up to being totally stressed out.

The funny thing is, the same thing seems to happen every year – regardless of last year’s plan to do it differently next time.

Stress is a very real emotional and physical state caused by having a lot on your plate but also, interestingly, by expecting too much – which is probably why the ‘season to be jolly’,  and enjoy a great party, has probably become the season to be stressed.

Many people are not aware that stress is not just in your head.  It can cause serious health concerns such as deep unhappiness and depression, heart palpitations, high blood pressure, fretful sleep and memory lapses.

The good news is, nutrition can help your body cope.  B vitamins support healthy resilience, energy production and the adrenal glands – the body’s stress responders, which sit just above the kidneys.

The adrenal glands release hormones that regulate our response to stress, commonly known as a ‘fight or flight’ response.  An over response can put us into a state of panic rather than feeling at ease, calm and in control.

The minerals magnesium, calcium and potassium are also supportive in stress and for healthy muscle relaxation.  Tense muscles can be an obvious sign of stress, with many people experiencing tight shoulders and neck or an aching back.

Blackmores Executive B Stress is a unique formula combining B vitamins with calming minerals and herbs to support and nourish a healthy nervous system.  It can be combined with a sleep formula, such as Blackmores Executive Sleep, to support a deep and restful sleep and help you wake refreshed and ready for the day ahead.

For more information, click here to check out the Blackmores Stress Hub or phone our Naturopathic Advisory Line to speak to a fully qualified naturopath, 0508 75 74 73.