FOUR Helpful Tricks for a Happier, Healthier Life!

In Chinese medicine, STRESS is one of the main culprits for ALL illness and dis-ease.  Stress wreaks havoc on the body, it causes inflammation, it diminishes circulation, it can cause insomnia, it makes hormones go crazy, it can cause emotional mood swings, it can cause headaches, migraines, digestive discomfort, bodily pain, high blood pressure, menstrual cramps… need I go on?

We will never eradicate stress out of our lives completely, BUT we can certainly do things to alleviate it.  Simply, we can generate our bodies in a positive way so that we can better handle the external forces that rattle our cage.

Here are some tricks to doing just that…

Eat a protein rich breakfast! 

You’ve heard this a thousand times and we know we ‘should’ eat breakfast, but often patients say that they just aren’t hungry or don’t have time in the morning, we totally get it.  So the question is why is it important to eat breakfast?  Because your body has been in starvation mode all night long something has got to kick things into gear and start your metabolism.  People that eat breakfast burn more calories in a 24 hour period and when it’s protein rich, they are more alert because of the fantastic amino acids that facilitate brain activity.  That and because you are filling your body with food energy, your muscles and organs systems get fed and perform better.  Christina says, “Often times I’m not that hungry so I make a smoothie, there are so many great variations, but I love my apple, pumpkin seeds (rich in protein and iron), coconut oil, oatmilk, frozen organic broccoli or fresh spinach and rice protein powder smoothie.  If you’re feeling like you want something sweet, try ½  banana, nut butter, broccoli/spinach, rice protein, oatmilk, honey and some raw cacao powder and nibs (rich in antioxidants).  YUM!

Take Breaks at Work!

Many of us are in front of a computer for more than 8 hours a day.  The long term effects can be eye strain, headaches, dehydration, neck and shoulder pain to name a few.  Taking breaks and changing your environment can really make a difference, your eyes can readjust, it can take pressure off your neck and shoulders and your energy and circulation opens up just by walking for one minute.  If you’ve tried setting your alarm for breaks and it just doesn’t work, do what Megan says, “Drink lots of water and take the longest and/or different route to the rest room.”

Anxious for the next two tips?  Check in on Facebook on Monday!

Christina “Mei Wen” Martin, L.Ac., Dipl.AC, MTOM, FABORM.

christina@berkeley-acupuncture.comcreate new email

Christina Martin is the founder of Tao to Wellness. She is an Acupuncturist, Chinese Herbalist and Teacher and has been in practice for fifteen years.  She holds a Master’s Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine and is a fellow of the American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine.  Christina entered Acupuncture school without ever having an Acupuncture treatment. She simply felt it was her calling.