Stress can be caused by a variety of predicaments including financial problems, job pressures, traumatic events and impending exams. The adrenal glands release adrenaline and other so-called stress hormones which can provide an instant burst of energy and strength allowing the body to cope via the ‘fight or flight’ response. However problems can arise if the stress persists resulting in an overall state of exhaustion. Blood pressure and cholesterol levels increase, the energy is diverted from the digestive system to the brain and organs which results in poor digestion and a feeling of being drained. These effects place additional demands on the immune system, which may become so weakened that the body can muster little resistance to infection and illness.

What can we do to help our bodies cope with the stress?

A good multivitamin and mineral formulation provides our vitamin and mineral needs. The B Complex vitamins promote the health of the nervous and immune systems and can counteract tiredness. Siberian Ginseng can bolster the adrenal glands. If sleep is a problem there are lots of herbal tinctures that can help a restful night, the one I personally find great is A Vogel’s Dormeasan, which is a Valerian-Hops combination.

Don’t forget your Omegas to help the brain power, Udo’s Choice Oil or a top quality fish oil such as MorEPA or Eskimo Brainsharp will help your brain as well as skin, hair and joints. Jan De Vries also has a great flower essence called ‘Concentration ‘ which can help you focus and then of course there is the old reliable ‘Rescue Remedy’ to help you keep calm in stressful situations.

Yoga, meditation, massage, reflexology, aromatherapy, accupuncture and a large variety of complementary therapies can also help you relax and take time for yourself which is vital to your well- being in stressful times. This gives you time to chill out and gives your body a chance to recover and heal itself. If your budget is limited, give yourself a treat that is easy on the wallet and take half an hour to shut yourself away from noise and bustle and listen to a relaxing cd, burn some calming candles or
essential oils such as lavender and enjoy some ‘me’ time.

Pop into your local healthfood store and have a chat regarding all of the help available. Make sure that you check with your GP if you are on any medication or have any medical issues. You will find a variety of registered therapists in your local healthfood store and you may even be able to claim back the therapy on your health insurance. Start you new routine today to help you through the stressful times.

Tara Lane is owner of Harmony Holistic Health stores located in Kilcock and Maynooth. 10 The Square, Kilcock, Phone 01 6284476 | 3 The Square, Maynooth. Phone 01 6106654 | harmonyholistichealth.ie

On Tuesday there will at talk on Homeopathy for winter health by Niamh Eagle at 10am and also at 2pm there will be a presentation on the very well recognised Eskimo Fish Oils.

Wednesday is a particularly busy day with local therapists Louise Courtney and Caroline Leonard giving a workshop at 11.30 – 1.30 on Understanding stress, anxiety/panic attacks. There will also be a question and answer session. Also Viridian Vitamins will be represented by Alexis Bain and customers can ask speak to Alexis with any queries that they may have on supplements between 11am and 1pm. At 2pm to 4pm William Haughton from Blessington Company, The Natural Medicine Company will be in the shop to talk about the wonderful product Floradix and all the salus range of supplements and family health. In the workshop room, Maynooths Martina O’Neill will be giving a talk titled “Are you ready for the 2012 Shamballa” between 3.30 and 4.30.

Thursday also has a great line up including consultations with Cathy from Naturalife on Womens and family health from 11.30 to 11.30. This is a great opportunity to discuss issues such as the menopause. She can advise on diet and supplements which can help relieve symptoms. From 12 to 2pm Mary Quirke, qualified careers consultant is delivering a talk “Is your career or lack of stressing you out?”. This is an ideal opportunity to discuss your career opportunities in a confidential manner. From 2.30 to 5pm Cynthia from Natural Selection will be on site to discuss the fabulous range of skincare called Organic Young. This range is specially formulated for teenage and problem skin. Call in for some samples. There is then an opportunity at 4.30 to try a sample yoga class with Paula Mitten so you can see what its all about without commitment.

On Friday there is a lovely de-stress meditation from 10 to 11.30 with Martina O’Neill. At 12pm Mary Quirke will be available to discuss your c.v. and see is your c.v. at its healthiest when applying for a job. This will be followed by a visit from Gabrielle from the very well recognised range A.Vogel. Gabrielle will be talking about herbs and health between 2.30 and 5pm. Also on Friday afternoon between 2.30 and 5pm there will be Aromatherapy sample treatments so why not come along and treat yourself. Finally on Saturday Sheena Lester will be offering seated back massages between 10.30 and 2.30 so pop along and have a nice back and shoulder massage to distress.

Along with all of the above workshops there will also be spot prizes, product samples and food tastings every day.

Maynooth Harmony Health – Open week Schedule

Download the week’s schedule: Maynooth Harmony Health – Open week Schedule

What’s Happening this Week…

The open week will run from Monday 5th to Saturday 10th October and on Monday at 1.30 there will be a talk on Hypnotherapy by John Keating. There will also be an opportunity to talk to a representive from local company Shield Health between 1 and 4pm about the benefits of MorEpa Fish Oils, which are an essential addition to all diets, especially students.

On Tuesday there will at talk on Homeopathy for winter health by Niamh Eagle at 10am and also at 2pm there will be a presentation on the very well recognised Eskimo Fish Oils.

Wednesday is a particularly busy day with local therapists Louise Courtney and Caroline Leonard giving a workshop at 11.30 – 1.30 on Understanding stress, anxiety/panic attacks. There will also be a question and answer session. Also Viridian Vitamins will be represented by Alexis Bain and customers can ask speak to Alexis with any queries that they may have on supplements between 11am and 1pm. At 2pm to 4pm William Haughton from Blessington Company, The Natural Medicine Company will be in the shop to talk about the wonderful product Floradix and all the salus range of supplements and family health. In the workshop room, Maynooths Martina O’Neill will be giving a talk titled “Are you ready for the 2012 Shamballa” between 3.30 and 4.30.

Thursday also has a great line up including consultations with Cathy from Naturalife on Womens and family health from 11.30 to 11.30. This is a great opportunity to discuss issues such as the menopause. She can advise on diet and supplements which can help relieve symptoms. From 12 to 2pm Mary Quirke, qualified careers consultant is delivering a talk “Is your career or lack of stressing you out?”. This is an ideal opportunity to discuss your career opportunities in a confidential manner. From 2.30 to 5pm Cynthia from Natural Selection will be on site to discuss the fabulous range of skincare called Organic Young. This range is specially formulated for teenage and problem skin. Call in for some samples. There is then an opportunity at 4.30 to try a sample yoga class with Paula Mitten so you can see what its all about without commitment.

On Friday there is a lovely de-stress meditation from 10 to 11.30 with Martina O’Neill. At 12pm Mary Quirke will be available to discuss your c.v. and see is your c.v. at its healthiest when applying for a job. This will be followed by a visit from Gabrielle from the very well recognised range A.Vogel. Gabrielle will be talking about herbs and health between 2.30 and 5pm. Also on Friday afternoon between 2.30 and 5pm there will be Aromatherapy sample treatments so why not come along and treat yourself. Finally on Saturday Sheena Lester will be offering seated back massages between 10.30 and 2.30 so pop along and have a nice back and shoulder massage to distress.

Along with all of the above workshops there will also be spot prizes, product samples and food tastings every day.

Harmony Holistic Health in Maynooth is a sister company to Harmony Holistic Health in Kilcock and it also stocks a wide range of gifts including relaxation cds, angels, crystals, Himalyan salt lamps, personalised hand made cards, buddhas, soy candles, essential oils and incense. In the food area there is a large range including manuka honey, herbal teas, flours, gluten free products, seeds and nuts. In the fridge you will find Udo’s oil, super 8’s, infants and childs blends and a range of tofu. Also stocked are Burts Bees, Dead Sea Spa Magik, Jason, Natracare, Ecover and Lilys products. There are also 3 treatment rooms that are used by a wide range of experienced therapists. If you would like to know more about the open week or have any other queries just give Harmony a ring on 01 6106654 or pop into the shop and have a chat.