stress – DeniseLalonde.com

My last post was in December. This one is long overdue. I’m about to share a part of me in a way that is uncomfortable…on an intimate and personal level…and gasp…in my professional arena no less! My personal and professional worlds never collide and there’s a reason for that…until now. I’ve always guarded my personal life in an attempt to uphold a polished, professional image. Until recently, I thought I was right in doing so…after all, I have a reputation to protect, people who look up to me, and clients who depend on me to be strong. In maintaining my tough exterior I never allowed people to see the real side of me, the vulnerable side, the human side. And perhaps this made me untouchable or intimidating, while I thought it made me admirable and strong. Boy was I wrong!

In the last several months I have; separated from my husband, lost my father, found new love, and watched my business rise and then stall. These are significant life changing events, causing a cascade of emotions. It has been a very difficult and stressful time for me, but I am emerging from these experiences a changed person. I have learned a lot about myself and others. I have taken these learning opportunities and embraced them. I have peeled away the layers to explore the deeper meaning of things. I have found the positive side of every single negative experience I’ve had.

In times of grief, loss, and stress you can dig deep and show yourself what you’re made of. But more importantly, you can be shown what you are not. I learned that I cannot do it all myself, despite how stubborn and independent I am. I had to reach out to people around me for help and support in a time when I needed it. I’m glad it did. It was a valuable lesson to learn.

Today I feel liberated…I feel strong…and I feel at peace.

I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to my very dear friends (you know who you are) who helped me in many ways, to my valued clients who were patient with me over the past several months as I cancelled sessions, to my beautiful children for making me smile every day, even when I didn’t want to, and to the love of my life for staying by my side every day, helping me through the heartbreaking loss of my Dad. To all the amazing people who helped me up when my feet were kicked out from under me, I thank you for your love and friendship. I am truly blessed!

Yours in HEALTH – STRENGTH – FITNESS …I’m baaaaack!

If you think you can get by on a few hours of sleep, think again. You may feel like you can manage on minimal sleep when in fact your body will not function optimally without adequate sleep. Research indicates that sleep deprivation can lead to increased levels of cortisol (a stress hormone), increased levels of ghrelin (a hunger stimulating hormone), decreased activity of human growth hormone (which is active during tissue repair), and decreased glycogen synthesis (needed for energy production and storage). These are just a few of the chemical reactions that take place with lack of sleep. There are many more implications of sleep deprivation…mood swings, lack of mental focus, weight gain, and depression, to name just a few!

Your body heals at rest and your organs are given a break while you sleep. Proper sleep is what is needed to physically and psychologically recover from the stresses of life. One or two nights of shortened sleep will not have much of a negative impact but consistent lack of sleep will lead to changes in hormone levels; with many negative effects to how you feel and function.

Your quality of sleep is just as important as the quantity. Seven to eight hours of sleep nightly is ideal. Some good sleep hygiene habits for improved sleep are:

– sleep in a dark, quiet room
– ensure room temperature is comfortable and well ventilated
– sleep in comfortable clothing or ideally in the nude
– avoid screen time before bed (TV, computer, video games, etc)
– avoid eating a heavy meal before bed
– avoid drinking caffeine four to six hours before bed
– avoid eating spicy, sugary foods close to bedtime
– avoid napping during the day
– establish a bedtime routine with pre-sleep rituals (warm bath, reading, meditating) and a regular bedtime
– bedtime teas may help induce restful sleep (Chammomile, Passion Flower, Valerian Root)
– a Naturopathic remedy such as Bach Flowers “Sleep Rescue Remedy” may promote sleep
– exercise regularly, but not before bed
– reserve the bedroom for sleep and sex, that’s it
– clear your mind, write down your thoughts before bed, allowing them to leave your mind

Snuggle up…sleep as snug as a bug in a rug!

Tag: stress

When your feet get kicked out from under you!

SLEEP! Who needs it?