The holiday season should be a time of laughter, love and a giving heart. Unfortunately, too many obligations and much indulgence turns it into a stressful time that wreaks havoc on our bodies. It is estimated that 75-90% of all doctor visits are stress related, because stress affects every area of our body. Here are three things to implement to keep you less stressed and minimize the effects of stress on your body:

1. Eat lots of whole foods and minimize the alcohol consumption. Eating processed foods and too much alcohol causes liver and adrenal stress, making us feel fatigued and irritable. Instead, eat organic fruits and vegetables, protein bars and smoothies and drink plenty of water.
2. Exercise 5 days a week for 30 minutes. Doing this alone can dramatically decrease the hormones that rise in our bodies during times of prolonged stress. Exercise also lifts our moods and gives us more energy.
3. Relax! The Benson-Henry Protocol is a simple technique that combines deep breathing with meditation that is recommended to naturally lower stress hormones and bring peace.

Apply these recommendations to your life to bring balance, so you can enjoy the New Year!

Dr. Brian Walsh is a chiropractic physician and owner of CARE Natural Wellness Center. CARE is located at 1051 Eber Blvd., Suite 102, Melbourne and provides natural healthcare for all ages including Nutrition Response Testing  and chiropractic care. For more information, visit CareWellnessFL.com or call 321-728-1387.