Unfortunately being older does not make us immune to stress.  In fact it may bring even more as we juggle grandchildren and caring for our own parents while trying to carve out time for ourselves.  We are told that there is good stress and bad stress, but it might be better to have no stress at all!

Mother Nature provides us with many effective aids to combat stress.  A lovely walk in the countryside or in the mountains or along a river will lower blood pressure, oxygenate your body and enable you to forget your worries and problems.  Depending upon the season, there is much to see such as trees and flowers in blossom and vegetables bursting forth in all their colorful glory.  How beautiful it is to see a field of sunflowers, bright yellow and tall, all having turned their heads to look at you as you pass by.  They might make you laugh and this is “the best medicine”.  In colder months, we see the beautiful colors of turning leaves, and even in winter we can be refreshed when outside and getting physical exercise. Just looking at nature soothes the soul.

Regardless of the season being in the warm sun for a while can calm you as well.

Also to soak in a warm bubble bath, preferably with relaxing oils such as lavender, chamomile, jasmine, rose or sandalwood will do wonders for your well-being.

A swim in the ocean will increase endorphins which will give you a euphoric feeling.

Studies have shown that sugar and low-fat carbohydrates are very effective in lowering anxiety. This is due to a chemical reaction in the brain.  Sugar works more quickly than carbohydrates but both successfully create a calming effect, and even chewing gum aids in relieving anxiety. When feeling overwrought and overburdened just have some chocolate, other sweets.

Finally to end a stressful day there is nothing more rewarding than a delicious meal and a glass of wine, again bounties coming from the earth.  So, enjoy and no longer feel stressed. – Just take the time!

Grandma Nature

Nature’s Pharmacy

Before modern medicine came into existence, people living in ancient civilization used vegetables, plants, herbs and spices to cure all kinds of diseases. This was true throughout Egypt, Rome, Greece and eastern cultures.

There is a pharmacy all around us.  It abounds in nature, growing within our reach. More and more studies confirm that there are medicinal properties in the food we eat.

Fruits and vegetables can help cure or contain diseases or improve medical conditions. Remember the old saying, «An apple a day keeps the doctor away»? Well, this is also true of bananas.  If eaten regularly, bananas help to lower blood pressure because of the high potassium content which can also control the regulation of sugar in the blood.  This is why athletes eat bananas when energy is needed; for example tennis players during a strenuous match.

Spices bring much to the body as well, calming pain just as cloves do for tooth aches.  Herbs are wonderful for beauty treatments and relaxation.

There is such a vast amount of knowledge today with proof that what we find growing in the earth can help us live longer and healthier lives. – As well as soothe our bodies and make us happy with their wonderful scents and calming effects. We actually feel younger!

Walking in nature among trees and flowers, in fields, in the mountains, alongside lakes and rivers, and gardening in our own backyard lower blood pressure. – And uplift the soul.

J.B.