Easing Summer Stress
By Marilyn Zink
Summer stress - yes, there is such a thing.
Most of us think of summer as a relaxing time but it can also be a busy time. If you have a lot of company, you may be busy doing things with them.
You may be suffering from heat stress, as I think some people have been here on the West Coast, where we have had an incredibly hot, dry summer.
Yesterday records were broken, with a high of 41 degrees Celsius in Port Alberni here on Vancouver Island. To cool off, we’ve been spending time going to the river in the late afternoon, sometimes staying until 6:30 p.m. or whenever we get hungry.
When it’s hot, it’s hard to sleep. That means you go to bed much later so lack of sleep can be a problem with heat stress.
If you have to work outside in the hot sun, it’s more stressful. Then you come home worn out and looking for relaxation and cooling relief.
When the sleep deprivation is accumulated, combined with work and busyness, your immune system can suffer. One of the first signs your immune system may be suffering is if you start sneezing repeatedly or have sore throat. Emotionally, you may be irritable and grumpy.
That’s a signal to take action immediately - cut down on some of your activities, get some more rest or read a relaxing book. One of my favorite activities recently was to lie in the hammock napping or reading a book while enjoying a glass of herbal ice tea.
This was a good way to recover after the busyness of family visiting asI knew my immune system was starting to suffer. I had been feeling headachy and a bit lethargic, due to lack of sleep, not surprisingly. I also took some herbal supplements that had olive leaf extract (a potent anti-viral), echinacea and other herbal immune boosters.
Marilyn Zink is the publisher.editor of the Herbal Collective magazine. Get the Free newsletter at http://www.herbalcollective.ca/mail.html
August 1st, 2009 at 5:27 pm
Thanks Marilyn,
sometimes I could scream ‘murder’ … when will people realize that ONLY a good immunesystem is protecting us … because it can tackle anything … but only when it is up to snuff (can I say this in English)
Was recently in Berlin
caught the last day a bug from a friend of my daughter…. didn’t know that of course
was wondering at home why I didn’t feel right … I NEVER have Jet leg problems
After three days I was ok, then I heard that my daughter had fever and she asked me for a Reconnective Healing session… she got it … the next day she was ok and could go to work … her three girl friends were all really sick and didn’t work for more than a week
I am the only one that is consistently drinking 4 ounces GoChi and my daughter 1 ounce/day, but not consistently because of the money.
Enjoy these beautiful days,
Anna Christine
Love the site … how come that you have the time???