Stress is unpleasant, even when it is transient. Stressors such as work, relationships, finances etc. stimulate the Sympathetic Nervous System (or fight-and-flight response) in your body, and over time and continuation cause negative effects to the affected areas (lack of sleep, digestive issues, high blood pressure, reproductive complications, etc.). The areas or systems of your body that are most affected by stress are:  Brain and Nerves, Muscles and Joints, Cardiovascular System, Stomach and Intestines, Pancreas and Reproductive System. Reflexology stimulates the Parasympathetic Nervous System (or rest-and-renew response) in your body, allowing your body functions to normalize naturally, resulting in: Longer, deeper sleep, an increase in digestive function, lowered blood pressure, reversal of reproductive complications, etc. Other ways to reduce stress naturally and improve your overall mental and physical health are small daily doses of physical exercise, daily meditation, deep breathing exercises and massage therapy.

Gloria Laing, www.gloriasreflexology.ca

Starting anything new may take a leap of courage. Thankfully, if it’s yoga, most studios have offers in place to make the path of the beginner an easier one. It’s not uncommon to find some sort of introductory offer that gives you a chance to try a number of classes at a reduced rate. Over the course of this offer you can get a feel for what’s working for your body and in your schedule. If you’re feeling self-conscious and not ready to jump right in to group classes you might be more comfortable with a different approach. Look for an intro series or classes geared specifically to absolute beginners, or consider booking a private session with a teacher to show you how to move safely in and out of poses. However you begin, you can start right where you are and feel supported in this new exploration of self.

Susan Turner, www.YogaConnections.ca

Flower and Tree Essences have been around for over 85 years but most people aren’t familiar with them.  Dr. Bach was the first to work with essences and now there are hundreds of essence makers and companies such as FES, Alaskan, Pacific, Canadian Forest, Australian Bush, Healing Herb to name a few.  The essences are taken orally from a dropper bottle or with water several times a day.  The essences are a support system and help us move through our emotions like anger, anxiety, depression, fears, over-thinking, grief, life changes, resentment and so on.  The essences are vibrational energy medicine and with most of us dealing with stress and changes in our lives, it is an alternative therapy that is worth looking into to help us move through situations when we get stuck emotionally.

Rositha Jeanson, www.rositha.ca