Tag: Stress

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When Feeling Bad Becomes Normal

Microphone and computer; early warning signs of a thyroid problem.

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With the almost half of the people in the United States living with at least one chronic health condition, many people have accepted that the way they feel is normal. Feeling tired, depressed, irritable, or having brain fog, insomnia or trouble focusing shouldn’t be normal. While chronic health conditions can be difficult to treat, there are many things you can do to help support your body. When feeling bad becomes normal, feeling good again may seem impossible, but your body can do amazing things when given the right nutrients. In this week’s show, we’ll go over some things you can do to help promote a healthy body and mind throughout life.

Products Mentioned in Today’s Show

Resvera-Max – Resveratrol is a polyphenolic compound with antioxidant activity found in grapes, wine, blueberries, cranberries, and peanuts. While red wine has been popularized as an important source of resveratrol, amounts vary widely. The maximum content of resveratrol in red wine extracts available for use in dietary supplements is 20%. In contrast, root extracts of Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) provide up to 50% trans-resveratrol content, the same form as found in red wine.

Active Mega Multi – Active Mega Multi contains activated forms of folate and vitamin B12, along with efficiently utilized mineral forms and fat-soluble vitamins. This formulation offers enhanced antioxidant protection, broader trace element nutrition, and augmented B vitamin support. This core foundation of essential nutrients can help provide an extra measure of nutritional protection.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine – Research on this acetylated derivative of L-carnitine has centered largely on its role in maintaining brain and nerve function during aging.† The acetyl group can serve as a metabolic source of acetylcholine, a brain neurotransmitter, while the L-carnitine component carries fatty acids into mitochondria of nerve, heart, and muscle cells for use in energy production.† Other actions benefit membrane stability, production of nerve growth factor, and cerebral blood flow.†

You can also listen to When Feeling Bad Becomes Normal on our YouTube channel here.

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What to Know About Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Elderly couple walking; what ot know about Azlheimer's and dementia.

Azheimer’s disease and dementia are conditions that more commonly affect people over age 65, but can occur earlier in life in the form of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease or early-onset dementia. The severity of these conditions can vary from person to person, and may worsen as they get older. These conditions are relatively common, and a person’s risk of developing these often increase as they age. However, as research in this area progresses, more and more potential causes and treatments are being discovered. Let’s take a look at what you need to know about Alzheimer’s and dementia, like what may contribute to their development, and what might help lower your risk.

Differences Between Alzheimer’s and Dementia

There are some key differences between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Dementia is more of a general term referring to a collection of symptoms including difficulty concentrating and remembering events, changes in mood or personality, depression, withdrawal, and increased confusion. It can have many potential causes such as stroke, brain tumors, certain medications, vitamin or mineral deficiencies, and certain diseases. Dementia is also often curable if the root cause is addressed correctly and timely.

Conversely, Alzheimer’s disease does not currently have a known cause and is typically believed to be incurable. There are many potential risk factors including heavy metal exposure, genetic predisposition, high blood pressure, history of smoking, poor diet, inadequate consumption of healthy fats, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Although it is not known what exactly causes Alzheimer’s disease, reducing the risk factors may potentially help reduce your risk of developing it.

What Can You Do?

Even though the cause of Alzheimer’s disease is unknown, there is some evidence to suggest that a healthy lifestyle and varied diet may help reduce the risk of developing it. Taking a fish oil supplement in addition to eating a healthy diet full of plenty of good fats like coconut oil, olive oil, and avocados is an important step to give your brain the fuel it needs. Eating enough good fats will also help provide your body with the fats it needs to create hormones and help keep them balanced.

Including plenty of organic fruits and vegetables in your diet is also important because it can help you get the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants you need each day. However, as we’ve mentioned in the past, most of the soil that the produce we consume is grown in is very depleted of nutrients, meaning the food it produces is also depleted. So, eating a varied diet full of fruits and vegetables still may not provide all the nutrients you need, so taking a multivitamin like Active Mega Multi each day is recommended. Certain types of mushrooms have also been shown to increase energy, memory retention, and overall cognitive function. It can be difficult to find some of these mushrooms in grocery stores, or to know how to cook and eat them. A supplement like Immune Essentials that contains several different types of beneficial mushrooms in capsule form is an easy way to get more of these mushrooms into your day. GPC Liquid is another supplement that is great for brain health, as well as fetal brain development in the womb which is why it is also in our Prenatal Nutrients. GPC has also been shown to aid in learning and memory, as well as help improve athletic performance and increase levels of growth hormone.

While having a family history of Alzheimer’s disease can be scary, you can work on giving your brain the nutrients it needs each day. You can also work on decreasing risk factors by quitting smoking, including more fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats in your diet, and exercising often. Having a healthy lifestyle and diet may help increase your quality of life and decrease your risk of developing a host of other health conditions, so every little change is worth it!

You can listen to our Just in Case You Missed It! podcast episode here. You can also listen to it on our YouTube channel here.

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What Could Be Slowing My Weight Loss?

Woman tying shoe to exercise; tips for healthy weight management.

Losing weight is one of the most common New Years resolutions people make each year, but few are able to actually lose the weight they want to lose. People often ask us what they can do to lose weight, or why they are not losing weight even though they are eating healthy food and exercising more often. There are several things that can slow weight loss including high estrogen levels, imbalanced cortisol, or a blood sugar issue. Let’s take a deeper look at what could be slowing your weight loss, and what you can do about it.

Estrogen Dominance

Some experts have claimed that hormones essentially make up who you are, and that if your hormones are imbalanced then your mood, metabolism, appetite, etc. will likely not be balanced either. One common hormonal condition is called estrogen dominance, and it can affect men and women of any age. There are several reasons as to why estrogen levels in Americans have risen over the years, but many experts believe one of the causes is the high number of endocrine disruptors (hormone disruptors) we encounter each day in our plastic products, perfumes, soaps, etc., and the decline in fruit and vegetable consumption. Constipation may also contribute to high estrogen levels because excess estrogen is metabolized by the liver and excreted through stool, but when a person does not have regular bowel movements, the stool may stay in their intestines for longer than normal, allowing the body to reabsorb the estrogen it was trying to get rid of.

Abnormally high estrogen levels can cause several different symptoms in men and women, but some of the most common include mood swings and increased fat deposits especially around the stomach, hips and thighs. High estrogen can also contribute to gynecomastia, a condition in which the breast tissue in a man begins to grow. Eating more organic vegetables and drinking plenty of water each day may help you have regular bowel movements to help balance estrogen levels. You can also take DIM 150 which helps the body metabolize estrogen into the safer forms, and may help balance the effects of high estrogen.

Imbalanced Cortisol

Cortisol is often called the stress hormone, and it is released by the adrenal glands when the body experiences any kind of stress. With the high-stress lives that a large portion of Americans lead, it is easy to have high cortisol, or burned-out adrenal glands which lead to low cortisol. Both high and low cortisol have their own negative health effects and it is to have these tested to make sure yours are balanced. Cortisol can hinder weight gain by increasing our cells’ resistance to insulin, which can cause high blood sugar and weight gain. Imbalanced cortisol can also increase sleep issues, and lead to decreased energy levels which can make exercising more difficult. There are supplements formulated for high and low cortisol, but if you have had not had your cortisol levels tested, a supplement like Pantothenic Acid Complex might help provide the nutrients your body needs to regulate cortisol levels.

Insulin Resistance

Blood sugar issues are increasingly common in America, and is largely due to our high-sugar, high-carb diets. When high amount of carbohydrates (carbohydrates are converted into glucose in the body) or sugar is consumed, blood sugar levels quickly rise. This causes the body to release insulin in an attempt to use and store the sugar, and to keep it from damaging nerves and organs. When this is done every day, the cells eventually start to respond to inulin less and less. This is called insulin resistance, where the cells essentially “ignore” the insulin being produced. So, the pancreas begins to excrete more insulin to try to bring the high sugar levels down, but this taxes the pancreas, and it too will start to get tired and struggle to produce the same amount of insulin it used to.

High insulin levels can contribute to weight gain because it makes the body store the excess sugar you consume as fat. So, if you eat a lot of sugar, then the pancreas produces more insulin which makes the body store more of that sugar as fat. Over time, this cycle of high blood sugar and increased insulin production can contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes and other health conditions. Reducing the amount of sugar and processed carbohydrates you consume is arguably the best step you can take towards balancing your blood sugar levels. Being more active may also help lower blood sugar levels and help the body’s cells respond better to insulin. There are also some supplements like Gluco Support that contain nutrients that may help your body regulate blood sugar levels.

There are many things that may make it more difficult to lose weight, but don’t give up. You can run blood tests through us to see if your hormones, cortisol and insulin levels are balanced and see if any of those could be slowing your weight loss. You can also try some of the supplements mentioned above, along with a diet low in sugar and processed carbohydrates, and more time spent being active. We would love to help you reach your goals this year!

You can listen to our Burning Up Those Stubborn Calories podcast episode here. You can also listen to it on our YouTube channel here.

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Burning Up Those Stubborn Calories

Microphone and computer; are vitamins just expensive urine?

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Losing weight is one of the most common resolutions people make at the beginning of each year, but this is often easier said than done. We often get questions about why some people struggle to lose weight when they are eating healthy and exercising. There are actually many things that can contribute to slow weight loss, even when you are burning up those stubborn calories each day. In this week’s episode, we discuss some things that can make losing weight more difficult, and what you can do about them.

Some things that could be hindering weight loss include:

  • High Insulin and/or Insulin Resistance
  • Cortisol Imbalance
  • Low Adiponectin
  • High Estrogen

Products Mentioned in Today’s Show

Amino Complete – Amino Complete supports GI health, the repair and rebuild of healthy muscle and connective tissue, and provides essential nutrients for healthy hair, skin, and nails.†

Omega Supreme Liquid – Omega Supreme Liquid provides concentrated triglyceride-form omega-3 EPA, and DHA derived from fish oil. Omega-3 fatty acids are often called “good fats” due to the numerous roles they play in supporting health, including supporting a balanced inflammatory response, assisting triglyceride metabolism, and supporting heart, joint, skin, brain, and nerve function.†

Turmeric Complex – The herbal extracts in Turmeric Complex contain multiple, beneficial compounds with documented ability to help modulate COX enzymes, scavenge free radicals, and promote physiological balance in susceptible tissues in a safe and harmonious fashion.† Meriva®brand turmeric, a key ingredient in Turmeric Complex, combines turmeric extract with phosphatidylcholine forming a bioavailable turmeric phytosome complex that is significantly better absorbed than regular turmeric extracts.

You can also listen to Burning Up Sweet Calories on our YouTube channel here.

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Simple Health Goals for the New Year

Woman doing yoga; simple health goals for the new year.

The new year just began, and along with it many new diets were started, gym memberships bought, and goals and resolutions set, but some of these resolutions may be unrealistic and difficult to stick to. Most people find it easier to work on forming one or two healthy habits at a time, which can help you stick to them long-term. Let’s take a look at a few simple health goals for the new year that you may want to try.

Eating Clean

There are so many different diets out there, with each having their own set of rules, and pros and cons. However, you may find it easier to just try eating “clean”, which means cutting out processed foods and eating whole foods like fruits, vegetables, meat, and fish and minimally processed foods like almond butter. You can tailor a diet like this to fit your needs, you can cut out things like grains, dairy, added sugars, or you can eat all of these things but keep them in moderation and ensure they are organic and nutrient-dense. Strict diets like keto and Paleo work great for some people, but everyone is different and there is no one-size-fits-all way of eating. Always listen to your body and pay attention to how different foods make you feel, and make adjustments when necessary.

You can start by cutting out processed foods like ice cream, frozen meals, chips, pizza, candy, etc. and incorporating more organic fresh or cooked vegetables and fresh fruits, grass-fed meat, wild-caught fish, and healthy fats like organic coconut oil and olive oil. There are some quality chips and frozen meals available, with some being Paleo compliant, but reading the ingredient label on every packaged item you eat is a good habit to get into. When reading ingredient labels look for short lists and ingredients you recognize. The number of food additives the average person is exposed to each week is too long to accurately list, and the long-term health affects of many of them are still unknown, so it’s best to stick to all-natural foods and ingredients.

Exercise

Sedentary lifestyles are extremely common in most of the United States and Europe, and is believed to contribute to the development of some health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and possible some cancers. Exercise is so important to our overall health, and it can often help improve mood, cognitive function, heart health, circulation, etc. when done consistently. This does not mean you have to take a trip to the gym every day, because any bit of movement can help. For some people this may mean a walk outside or on a treadmill, riding a bicycle, lifting weights, following a home-workout video, or working out at the gym. You should aim for roughly thirty minutes of physical activity each day. If you are new to exercising, it’s a good idea to start slow and only do what you can, and slowly increase the amount of time you are active.

Stress and Sleep

Many people deal with stress on a daily basis, and this chronic stress can contribute to the development of some serious health conditions like heart disease, heart attacks, stroke, and emotional disorders like anxiety and depression. Sleep issues like insomnia and sleep apnea are also common problems that can contribute to the development of many of the same conditions that chronic stress contributes to. Stress can exacerbate sleep issues like insomnia, while sleep deprivation can make stress worse. So, this cycle of being stressed out and having trouble sleeping, then becoming more stressed due to poor-quality sleep and/or not enough sleep can really take a toll on the body.

Practicing stress-reducing techniques like meditation, yoga, a hot bath, exercise, or something else that helps you relieve stress may help reduce the negative effects stress can have on the body. Getting enough quality sleep each night is also very important, and adults should aim for at least seven hours of sleep each night. Taking a supplement like Pantothenic Acid Complex may help give your body the nutrients it needs to better deal with stress, and may help regulate sleep habits.

This could be the year you reach your goals, but making them achievable can greatly increase your chances of sticking with them. Having a few simple health goals for the new year like forming a new habit each week, replacing a processed food with a healthy food in your diet every few days, or incorporating more relaxation into your daily life can all help to add up to better health this year. Let this be the beginning of a new and healthier decade!

You can listen to our Exercising Consistent Health Habits podcast episode here. You can also listen to it on our YouTube channel here.

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Enjoy Extra Energy Naturally

Microphone and computer; exercising consistent health habits.

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This time of year can be exhausting with all the stress of the holidays, not to mention the increase in colds and flus. Many of our patients have been asking what they could do to boost their energy levels, so we wanted to do a show to discuss what you could take to help you enjoy extra energy naturally for Christmas and the rest of the holiday season.

Some natural ways to help increase energy levels include:

  • Getting at least seven hours of sleep each night
  • Taking a B12 supplement
  • Eat less sugar and refined carbohydrates
  • Exercise several times a week
  • Drink plenty of water each day
  • Consider taking a nap in the afternoon

Products Mentioned in Today’s Show

  • Immune Essentials – Immune Essentials supports immune health with a blend of highly researched and effectively concentrated mushroom extracts combined with the polyphenol nutrient support of green tea.† This formula provides beta 1,3/1,6 d-glucan and a range of bioactive compounds that have been shown to potentiate immune response.† Grown in the USA under rigidly controlled conditions, these mushroom extracts are made with 100% certified organic ingredients.
  • Pantothenic Acid Complex – This formula contains Cordyceps, Rhodiola Extract, Eleuthero Extract, and Pantothenic Acid to help support adrenal function. Eleuthero and rhodiola act on neurotransmitter function, the central nervous system, and cardiovascular function to help the body adjust appropriately when faced with biological, physical, or chemical challenges.† Cordyceps mushroom, known for its revitalizing effects, and pantothenic acid, a B vitamin required for adrenal hormone formation, are also included.†

You can also listen to Enjoy Extra Energy Naturally on our YouTube channel here.

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Causes and Solutions for Insomnia

Person holding alarm clock; insomnia causes and solutions.

Trouble sleeping is a problem most people have had at some point in their life, but when it is frequent and begins to affect your day-to-day life, you may have a type of insomnia. Insomnia is a common problem, and it can come in the form of chronic, acute, middle, late, initial onset, and comorbid insomnia, with each referring to different types of sleeping issues. Insomnia tends to be more common in people who have depression and/or anxiety, and it can have several different causes. Let’s take a look at some of the causes of insomnia and what you can do about it.

Causes

As is the case with most health problems, insomnia can have many possible causes, which can make it more difficult to find the solution for each person. Insomnia can come in many forms and may be due to certain medications, drug and alchol usage, restless leg syndrome, chronic pain, sleep apnea, stress, anxiety, and/or poor sleep habits. When these issues are addressed and improved, it usually becomes easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. It is important to try to determine the cause of insomnia because it may make it easier to find a solution that works for you.

Solutions

Having insomnia can make sleep a stressful thing which may worsen the problem. Practicing stress-reducing techniques like yoga or taking a hot bath, and getting into a daily bedtime routine may help you fall asleep each night. Avoiding screens at least one hour before bed is recommended because the blue light emitted from phone screens, televisions and tablets can negatively affect your sleep. You should also try to avoid caffeine for about seven hours before bedtime. If your insomnia is caused by restless legs you can try a mineral supplement like Active Multiminerals may help reduce muscle spasms and cramps. If you need something to help you relax before bed, EZ Relax may work for you. It contains L-theanine, GABA, ashwagandha extract, valerian extract and passionflower extract to help promote relaxation.

It is important to get enough sleep each night as chronic sleep deprivation can contribute to the development of many different health conditions, and can affect your emotional health and energy levels. Do your best to form good sleeping habits and work on reducing stress so you can feel your best each day.

You can listen to our Counting Sheep, Need Some Sleep? podcast episode here. You can also listen on our YouTube channel here.

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Counting Sheep, Need Some Sleep?

Microphone and computer; exercising consistent health habits.

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Trouble sleeping is a problem most people have had at some point in their life due to a stressful event or drinking too much coffee, but when it is frequent and begins to affect your day-to-day life, you may have a type of insomnia. Insomnia is a common problem, and it can come in the form of chronic, acute, middle, late, initial onset, and comorbid insomnia, with each referring to different types of sleeping issues. Dealing with insomnia can be stressful, and it tends to be more common in people who have depression and/or anxiety. Insomnia can have different causes, including:

  • Stress
  • Chronic Pain
  • Restless Legs
  • Sleep Apnea
  • Poor Sleep Habits
  • Certain Medications
  • Caffeine Late in the Day

Having insomnia can be difficult, and can make sleep a stressful thing which may worsen the problem. Reducing stress and getting into a routine may help you fall asleep. If your insomnia is caused by restless legs you can try a mineral supplement which may help reduce muscle spasms and cramps, and there are some different treatment options for sleep apnea. It is important to get enough sleep each night as chronic sleep deprivation can contribute to the development of many different health conditions, and can affect your emotional health and energy levels.

Product Mentioned in Today’s Show

  • EZ Relax – We’ve teamed nature’s greatest stress management ingredients to create a uniquely effective combination. Formulated with Ashwagandha, valerian extract, L-theanine, and GABA.

You can also listen to Counting Sheep, Need Some Sleep? on our YouTube channel here.

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Thyroid – The small gland that makes a BIG difference!

Microphone and computer; exercising consistent health habits.

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Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are conditions that affect the thyroid gland and can mean an underactive or overactive thyroid. The thyroid is a small gland that does a lot; responsible for releasing hormones that are crucial to many important functions like regulation of metabolism, heart rate, breathing, and body temperature. It also effects cholesterol levels, mood, energy, and weight management. Additionally, here are some key differences between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism that we’ll discuss in this episode.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothryoidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland is underactive and does not produce enough thyroid hormones.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism:

  • Persistent fatigue, lethargy, or depression
  • Low motivation to exercise
  • Moodiness, Anxiety
  • Brain fog, trouble concentrating, forgetfulness
  • Intolerance to cold, frequently feeling chilly
  • A hoarse voice
  • Unexplainable weight gain
  • Constipation, bloating and other digestive issues
  • Muscle weakness, aches or pains, other discomforts
  • Dry hair and skin

The most common causes of hypothyroidism include an autoimmune condition like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, radiation therapy, an iodine deficiency, and certain medications.

Hyperthyroidism

Conversely, hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland is producing too much of certain thyroid hormones (T4 for example).

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism:

  • Insomnia, sleep troubles
  • Nervousness, symptoms of anxiety
  • Racing heart
  • Eyes that appear large and sometimes bulge
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Muscle weakness
  • Multiple bowel movements
  • High amounts of perspiration
  • Thin, brittle hair

Some common causes of hyperthyroidism include an autoimmune condition like Graves’ Disease, inflammation of the thyroid, and consuming too much iodine.

Products Mentioned on Today’s Show:

Bacopa 320 – This high-strength standardized whole plant Bacopa monnieri extract CDRI 08® is clinically demonstrated to support working memory and retention.

Thyroid Essentials – This formula combines iodine and tyrosine, the two constituents necessary for the synthesis of thyroid secretions.* The minerals selenium, zinc and copper have been added as cofactors needed for normal thyroid function.* Additionally, this formulation has the Ayurvedic herbal extracts from guggul and ashwagandha to complement its nutritional support components.*

You can also listen to our Thyroid – The Small Gland That Makes A BIG Difference episode on our YouTube channel here.

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How Stress Ages Us

Chronic stress affects many people and can be caused by financial struggles, marital issues, health issues, demanding careers, or a number of other different things. We may think chronic stress just makes us tired and more agitated, but we often don’t consider the effects it can have on our body. Stress can age us and increase our risk of developing certain diseases, but why? Let’s talk about what happens when we’re stressed, and what we can do about it.

Adrenal Glands, Cortisol, and Adrenaline

Being overworked, fighting with your spouse, experiencing financial difficulties, being sleep deprived, having nutritional deficiencies, or dealing with emotional disorders like depression and anxiety can all contribute to stress. When you are stressed, your adrenal glands release cortisol and adrenaline. When adrenaline is released, a person typically experiences an increase in blood pressure and heart rate, and may feel more energy for a short period of time. This can be helpful in a dangerous situation, but a chronic release of adrenaline can damage the heart, and may even contribute to vision and hearing loss due to the effects of prolonged blood vessel constriction.

Cortisol also gets released during times of stress and it can help regulate blood sugar, blood pressure and metabolism, and can help reduce inflammation. However, it needs to be released in the right amounts or it can have some negative effects on your health, as is the case with high or low cortisol. Low cortisol, also called adrenal fatigue, may be due to an underlying health condition, but the most common cause is being stressed for such a long period of time that your adrenal glands essentially “burn out”. The adrenal glands are responsible for producing and releasing certain hormones, and are critical to your health. They also control the “fight-or-flight” response, and release hormones accordingly. However, when we stay in the “fight-or-flight” (stressed out) mode for too long, our adrenal glands get tired, and greatly decrease the amount of cortisol they produce and release. This can lead to depression, food cravings, low blood pressure, irritability, diarrhea, etc.

Conversely, high cortisol usually occurs before adrenal fatigue develops. Being stressed leads to a release of cortisol, and a continual release of cortisol due to chronic stress can cause high blood pressure, osteoporosis, depression, irritability, muscle weakness, increased thirst, etc. Keeping your stress levels down can help keep your cortisol levels balanced.

Aging

The ways in which chronic stress age us physically can be complicated, and the research is still ongoing, but there are a few things we know. Stress can damage DNA and lead to an increased risk of developing conditions like heart disease, Parkinson’s, and cancer. Vision and hearing may also be affected by stress due to the prolonged release of adernaline as discussed above. Adrenaline causes blood vessels to constrict, potentially reducing the blood flow to the eyes and ears.

Stress can also speed up the aging process in some indirect ways. When a person experiences stress they are more likey to crave unhealthy foods and alcohol, less likely to engage in exercise, and may find it more difficult to get enough quality sleep each night. Each of these things can speed up the aging process, contribute to a lower quality-of-life, and increase a person’s risk of developing certain conditions.

Reducing Stress

There are a few things you can do that may help reduce stress. Meditation, taking a relaxing bath, taking a walk, spending time with loved ones, taking a nap, or finding a calming hobby can all help reduce stress. If your stress is work-related, try to keep your workspace organized and know what needs to be done each day. If you are dealing with financial struggles, try creating a budget plan. Simply reminding yourself that something isn’t worth being stressed out over may also help.

Chronic stress is a problem affecting millions of people, and it can have lasting impacts on physical and mental health. Eating a balanced diet high in organic fruits and vegetables, and gettting at least seven hours of quality sleep every night can help provide the nutrients and energy you need to face the day, and can help increase your body’s ability to handle stress. It is so important to reduce stress whenever possible, so find time to take care of yourself every day.