Don't Let The Economy Kill You!

Today we are doing something a little different….hosting a blog segment from one of my friends and colleagues…

Lori Finlay Hamilton of Women, Wisdom and Wellness. Today's article is so timely with all the bad news hitting us

on the economic front. There is no better time than right now to step back and nurture and nourish our bodies and our spirits!

Enjoy. Thank you Lori!

Elizabeth

Don't Let the Economy Kill You

If you've been a reader of mine for sometime, you know that I write often of the difference between men and women and how we handle stress. These statistics reinforce the point-
Women Bear Brunt of Nation's Stress at Financial Downturn

84% of women say they are stressed about the economy, as opposed to only 75% of men.
Boomer women are most concerned about job stability; Veteran women are most focused on health problems. Gen X women worry about money, while Millennials are focused on housing cost.
–Source: American Psychological Association

Which category do you fit in?
This news is not all surprising to me. What is concerning, is the impact on our health caused by the increased cortisol at times such as these. Remember, women are fueled by cortisol when producing results, whether at work or home. And when we have an underlying level of significant stress, the cumulative effect can lead to hormonal imbalances – which then in turn can cause depression, sleep disturbances, heart disease, stroke and even certain kinds of cancer.

How are you relating to the recent stressors? Have you considered the impact of this stress on your health and hormones?

With times like these it is even more important for us as women to take care of ourselves. Now I know that instinctively, if you're concerned about losing your job or watching your retirement plummet, that the last thing on your list is to take get a massage or your favorite stress reducing ritual. However, as I've stated before, we are the life source for everyone around us! We must find a way, even if it's 5 minutes to take a breather and de-stress.

Remember your zone time – the time you need to recharge your batteries and fill your tank. You may not have the time or financial resources to spend a day at the spa, yet, do the things that give you the biggest bang – emotionally, physically and fiscally.
A few additional reminders that will help you during these times are:
Eat right- a high carb, sweet, low fiber diet will exacerbate everything. Stick to high fiber, low carb and healthy fats!
Exercise – a little every day will go a long way
Get enough sleep- the earlier to bed the better
Take a deep breath – remember the "pretty safe nervous system" (PSNS -parasympathetic nervous system) can be turned on to calm you down with a simple long deep inhalation.
To sum up for this week I want to leave you with this great quote that I feel has great merit – especially during these times.

"When health is absent, wisdom cannot reveal itself;  art cannot become manifest; strength cannot be exerted; wealth is useless, and reason is powerless."

–Ardmore Herophiles, 300 B.C., Father of Anatomy