Summer calmers

Summer breaks are not always as relaxing as they should be. Here’s how to cool things down if the going gets hot

August means holidays, but whether you’ve opted for a holiday abroad or a staycation they can be stressful. Packing, getting the kids organised, arriving at the airport or station on time, maybe flying though different time zones, and getting yourself, not to mention the family, into a different daily routine can rattle the nerves leaving you tired and exhausted. And before you know the week of relaxation you have been looking forward to for so long has changed into something completely different - a stress-charged nightmare!

A small amount of pressure can help to keep us on our toes but too much can have a long-term negative effect on health. Fatigue, exhaustion, anxiety and tension headaches are the inevitable result. So what’s the solution? Stocking up on some calming herbs will help to keep things on an even keel.

Herbal calmers

Herbal relaxants, such as valerian and passionflower do just as their name implies – they aid relaxation. They are also good for insomnia and general anxiety problems as well as for helping to reduce the physical effects of stress, such as tense muscles and digestive problems.

But when it comes to building up stress resistance rhodiola wins hands down. It is what is known as an adaptogen herb or’ tonic’ making it the perfect remedy for reducing fatigue, building up strength and energy – in short just what you need when the sun is burning down and the kids won’t stop bickering.

The active ingredients of rhodiola include rhodioloside, tyrosol, p-tyrosol, which work both together and with many other compounds to give the plant its healing powers. It is thought to affect the function of neurotransmitters, the brain chemicals that transport messages between nerves and help to regulate mood and other brain functions. Another plus point of rhodiola  is that it works fast and is non addictive.

TRY THESE….

• If you start to feel stressed, stop what you are doing and say ‘Calm’ to yourself.
• Stand up and have a good stretch. Shake your hands and arms briskly and shrug your shoulders to help reduce muscle tension.
• Drink plenty of water, especially if you feel hot. Dehydration can exacerbate stress-related symptoms such as a headache or fatigue.
• Go for a brisk walk along the beach. The exercise will help to neutralise the negative effects of stress hormones.
• Watch those beach bar cocktails. Too much alcohol will only make things worse.

Rhodiola is found in Vitano, a traditional herbal medicinal product used for the temporary relief of symptoms associated with stress such as fatigue, exhaustion and mild anxiety based on traditional use only.