By Susan J. White
NorthShore University HealthSystem
The fast pace of today’s world where so many are challenged with increased personal and professional responsibilities has left a growing segment of the population fighting chronic stress.
And there is no time like the holiday season to ratchet up the sense of too much to do and too little time to do it. While most everyone is aware of the negative effects of stress, many of us still struggle to find effective ways to manage it.
There are however, some surprisingly easy and powerful strategies to mitigate stress and its detrimental impact on overall health and quality of life, according to NorthShore University HealthSystem Integrative Medicine Practitioner Patricia Piant, MSTOM, L.Ac, Dipl.OM.
“There’s more of everything this time of year; more parties, more errands, more shopping and more stress triggers,” Piant says, noting that she and her colleagues treat an increased number of patients for stress and anxiety at holiday time.
A licensed, board-certified acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist, Piant suggests a simple breathing exercise that helps relax the nervous system and bring you into the moment. “When people are stressed they tend to take shallow breaths,” Piant adds. “Try to deepen your breath; literally put your hand on your belly and bring your inhale all the way down into your abdomen.”
This is an easy way to calm and center yourself at any moment in time or place, Piant says.
One of the most important ways of managing stress during ultra busy times is to be sure and schedule some time for yourself whether that means getting a massage or going for coffee with a friend. “Periodically check in with yourself and ask what you need for the day—rest, exercise, good food? Sometimes it is as simple as a hug from a loved one or a walk with your dog,” Piant says.
Exercise is a very positive way to release energy and counteract stress, and it does not have to be an hour at the gym, a quick power walk can do wonders. Free yoga classes and donation based yoga classes are offered at stores and yoga studios at various locations and can be a great way to check out a new and stress-reducing activity.
Acupuncture can serve as a tremendous stress reliever, and many people who seek treatment for an injury or other specific condition are often surprised by how relaxed they feel after an acupuncture session, Piant says. “It’s one of the very few times you are given an opportunity to just be still. Being still is often different than being in bed,” she explains. “I have patients who tell me it is the only time of the week they are relaxed.”
“Chinese medicine is all about balance and how we can bring the different systems of the body back into balance,” Piant explains.
Having a sense of gratitude can bring a host of benefits. “Yes, we hear it all the time, but gratitude can bring us a sense of peace and wholeness,” Piant says. “It has a way of bringing us into the present moment. I have critically ill patients who are so thankful for a hand to hold or a warm blanket; that really puts things in perspective.”
“Above all, most of us would do well to have more fun and stress less over finding the perfect gift or making the perfect dinner,” she adds.
For more information, go to www.northshore.org/integrative-medicine.
