Life should be fun, NOT if you are tired!

You may have told yourself many times: "what is the point of it all, I feel like a rat on a treadwheel", particulary as you wait in traffic jams, find that you have piles of unexpected bills or have had enough of your work. For life to be enjoyable we all need challenges that we feel we can cope with. Sadly we are all, at times, faced with insurmountable challenges that we feel we cannot cope with and it is then that we may experience stress. The 21st century has become the century of stress, and if we understand how stress affects us as an individual, and if we are prepared to makes the necessary changes to our lifestyle and diet, then we sure can mitigate the affects that stress has on our bodies. It is important to remember that showing signs of stress does not mean you are a weak individual who cannot cope! It means you are a normal human being like everyone else, but a person who is being affected by stress.  All people react differently to the situations they have to face because they are all unique individuals. Some may be very passive personalities whilst others may be very competitive and dominating. Their life experiences will vary enormously as will their overall conditioning. Their state of health will also vary – it is far more difficult coping with the pressures of every day life when one is feeling tired and simply "worn out". Women today are under a higher load to achieve than even before in history, and it is taking its toll. A survey last year found that literally hundreds of thousands of women are "burned out" in Australia, and in 1999, a New Zealand survey found that 61% of NZ doctors are significantly stressed. I could just imagine the sheer numbers of women and men in America who suffer from stress and burnout that are diagnosed as "depressed", and told to get on with their lives. I grew up in the 1960’s, and life today is sure different.

• Be aware of your own warning signs – maybe this could be a sudden feeling of anxiety, extreme tiredness, feeling very tearful, catching every cough and cold – feeling run down.
• Review what is really causing stress for you? You could be surprised! Think about what action you could perhaps take to change things. How much of your stress is caused by you? Are your expectations of yourself and others realistic for example?
• At times of stress we often fall into the trap of not eating properly, smoking more or turning to alcohol as a supposedly helpful crutch. (That possible hangover, let alone "guilt trip" the next day could just add to your problems!) Instead:
• Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and keep sugar intake to a minimum. This can help to support your immune system in its fight against colds and flu – ailments you so often get when run down.
• Try eating for fatigue. Eat on time, and the right kind of foods. What a difference this can make to your energy levels and moods!
• Eating for your adrenal glands is an excellent source of information for you to make the right choices in the kitchen.
• Drink plenty of water, it will help you rehydrate your body, and only drink alcohol in moderation.
• Try and keep caffeine and alcohol consumption to the minimum.
• Try not to turn to nicotine or any other self prescribed drugs.
• Do not feel guilty about including a period of relaxation every day. We all need to turn off from time to time. Do something you enjoy and fits into your life. This could, for example, be reading, listening to music, doing yoga or meditating, enjoying a warm bath with perhaps some aromatherapy oils added to it. It does not have to take long – or be considered a luxury or time wasting. It is a vital part of life.
• Make sure exercise is part of life. Exercise which is suitable for you. If you have any doubts as to the correct sort for you ask your doctor.
• Time management. Do you often find yourself saying "yes" when in fact you mean "no"? Are you always late for things? Do you get frustrated knowing you could have done a better job if you had organised your time better? Learn how to be more assertive and manage your time properly. Many of us waste so much time – often making excuses for things we have not done! There are some excellent courses available as well as books on both these subjects.
• Consider attending a stress management training course. You do not have to be stressed to attend one of these. It is far better to know fully what to do prior to experiencing stress than during!
• We would be happy to supply information about Dr. Wilson’s Adrenal Fatigue Program, and can refer you to a practitioner in New Zealand who has knowledge of this amazing, unique and highly effective program aimed at restoring your energy and vitality. We have many practitioners who are experiencing incredible results with their patients. So – what are you waiting for? Why be tired when life can be so much more fun – if you could only increase your energy levels.