The adrenal or “stress glands” are small, triangular shaped glands located on the top of the kidneys. Their function is to prepare the body’s resources to run or fight through the releasing of specific hormones. When this primitive, instinctive response is activated, blood is diverted from digestive system while our blood pressure, pulse, blood sugar levels increase. At the same time, our pupils dilate and the speed of reflexes increases. All of this happens as a way to ensure our survival.

In modern times, we don’t’ have to worry about becoming dinner for a hungry tiger or being trampled by a herd of buffalo. Our bodies, however, automatically respond the same way when we are under physical, emotional or mental stress. Many of us live in a state of constant stress that strains our bodies to the point of exhaustion. Over time, and through repetition, this can impact the way the adrenal glands function, causing us to experience adrenal insufficiency or “burn-out”.

If you think about it, our adrenal glands can be likened to the batteries in a flashlight. They are filled with a charge that is used to run the body and give us that extra edge in times of need. Each time we use our flashlight, we drain some of the charge from our batteries. Fortunately for us, our batteries are automatically recharged when we eat healthy and get lots of rest. If, on the other hand, we use our flashlight all of the time, and don’t recharge our batteries regularly, it is only a matter of time before the light starts to dim and eventually goes out all together.

Technically speaking, adrenal insufficiency refers to the inability of adrenal glands to produce the proper quantity of hormones needed to run the body. It should not to be confused with Addison’s disease, which is when the adrenal glands fail to produce hormones or shutdown completely. The most common symptom of adrenal insufficiency is fatigue. Other symptoms include: not feeling rested after sleep, inability to deal with life stressors, poor memory, a low sex drive, frequent infections due to a suppressed immune system, inability to concentrate, depression, mood swings, irritability, weight gain, weakness and hormonal imbalances.

There are a number of reasons why people experience adrenal insufficiency. It can be from a genetic or congenital abnormality, but the most common one is stress. Some of us force our bodies to run or fight all the time. Life challenges, financial pressures, relationship issues and unresolved emotional concerns will eventually deplete your adrenal glands. Internal stressors such as allergies, physical disease, nutritional deficiencies, food and environmental toxins can also put pressure on the body’s natural reserves. In addition, stimulants, such as sugar, white flower, caffeine, as well as constant exposure to loud music, loud noise or E M radiation can take a toll on our adrenal glands.

Recommendations For Wellness

First and foremost, stop forcing yourself to keep going and start listening to your body. It will tell you what it needs. If it is tired, try closing your eyes and taking a few deep breaths. Taking a break, even a short one is a great way to let your body rest.

Just let it go. Allow your body to let go of any resentment, blame, guilt, worries or fears that can paralyze the adrenal glands.

Learning relaxation techniques such as biofeedback, meditation guided imagery can help you cope with stress better.

Try taking a hot bath with l avender or n eroli oil at night. These oils can help to calm frazzled nerves, promote a feeling of calmness and bring about a restful nights sleep.

Siberian ginseng is an adaptogenic herb that supports the adrenal glands making it a great tonic to help the body deal with stress.

Found in the rainforest of South America, the herb suma has been reported to help increase energy levels and rejuvenate the spirit. It has been found to be useful in restoring glandular function and balancing the endocrine system.

Licorice Root has traditionally been used to support the adrenals. This herb is very sweet and is not recommended if you are diabetic.

Pantothenic Acid, vitamin B5, is vital for adrenal hormone production and is recommended in supporting the adrenal glands.

Nature’s Sunshine’s Energy-V Capsules and Nervous Fatigue Formula are a collection of stimulating & adaptogenic herbs which can help the body adapt to stress.

DHEA is a hormone precursor produced by the adrenal glands. Leading health experts to believe that after the age of 25, the body's ability to produce DHEA declines and supplementation can help increase energy and counteract the effects of stress.

Supplements made from bovine adrenal glands provide nutritional support for proper adrenal gland function. Only use this supplement for short periods of time as to not disrupt the normal function of the adrenal glands.

© Copyright Body, Mind & SoulHealer – soulhealer.com 2007. All rights reserved.

By: Dr. Rita Louise
Dr. Rita Louise, Ph D is a Naturopathic Physician and the host of Just Energy Radio. Author of the books “Avoiding the Cosmic 2x4” and “The Power Within”, it is her unique gift as a medical intuitive and professional clairvoyant that enlivens her work. Let Dr. Rita assist you bringing health, healing and wholeness back into your life. Visit http://www.soulhealer.com or listen live online to Dr. Rita on JustEnergyRadio.com.

Editors note: Neither this blog nor it's publishers or editors take any position as to the use, benefits or potential problems caused by any supplements mentioned in the above article. The opinions are solely those of the author.

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Managing stress successfully needn't involve powerful medications. You can drastically reduce stress levels naturally and here are five stress management steps you can take to quickly boost your mood levels.

If you're feeling under stress, here is a quick, easy technique you can use anywhere at anytime to help you find relief. It's called "square breathing" and it works like this: First, slowly inhale as deeply as you can for a count of 5 seconds. Then hold it for five seconds, then exhale slowly for 5 seconds. Pause for 5 seconds and then repeat four times.

There always seems to be an endless list of jobs that need doing: repairs around the home, paperwork, car maintenance, throwing out junk, cleaning the patio, weeding the garden - on and on and on! The more we put them off, the more the list grows and the more they contribute to your stress levels. So make a list of all of these chores and then schedule something I call a "Blitz Day". On this day, you will rise early and spend the whole day sorting out each of these jobs. Take few breaks and only have a quick bite at lunchtime and just blitz through these irritating but necessary tasks. This will get rid of them, you'll lower the stress they cause but more importantly, you'll realize just how effective and industrious you can be when you apply the full force of your will to accomplish things.

A major trigger for stress in many people occurs when they are facing a change or even a number of changes to their lives. Change is a constant in life and refusing to accept change can trigger the fear response and this causes stress levels to rocket. A crucial skill in managing stress effectively is being able to deal with change whenever it occurs. So, when you are faced with a change, try to find the positives associated with it and embrace change instead of resisting it. Every change presents an opportunity for you to grow and there are always positives to find in even the most trying of circumstances. Change by itself doesn't cause stress, what causes stress is more to do with how you react to change and if you react in a frightful, negative way, you will trigger stress and cause yourself a great deal of harm.

Performing the same routines day in day out really can become a grind. Although routine gives us a sense of certainty and security, it can also make us feel like robots who live a predictable existence. This feeling can trigger stress, depression and anxiety as you don't enjoy life when you feel it is predictable. So try to vary your days: start and finish work at different times, don't eat the same types of meal each day (e.g. cereal for breakfast each day), vary how you start the day (go for a swim, a walk, a jog, rise at different times) and try to visit somewhere new at least twice a month (a restaurant, a museum, a theatre, a town etc.) as this will help to bring variety to life and keep life interesting. It's also a great way of easily managing stress without making major changes.

Foods don't cause stress and they certainly can't cure stress but they can help reduce stress levels and boost your moods. Cod liver oil is one food that may help you because it is high in an essential fatty acid called Omega 3. Liquid is best but harsh so try taking a cod liver oil capsule every day and see how you feel. Refined sugar has been linked to hyperactivity and I must admit, I rarely eat it these days and I do feel calmer. Another great way food can help with managing stress is to enjoy a solitary evening indulging in your favorite comfort food. Home-made chicken soup, buttery mashed potatoes, chocolate, ice cream - all can be the culinary equivalent of a hug and make you feel better.

Each of the above techniques will help with managing stress and the more you apply them, the more stress will melt away and the happier you'll feel.

By: Chris Green
To discover more stress management techniques stress management techniques that will help you win the fight against stress and anxiety, please check out the resources we've assembled over on our conquering stress website.

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In today’s workforce, it doesn’t matter whether we’re the CEO or a front line customer service representative - we all face stress. We’re often expected to work longer hours and do more with fewer resources. All the technology geared to making us more efficient simply means that we’re a phone call or email away - goodbye downtime, hello stress. In fact it’s one of the top two reasons for employee absenteeism and/or healthcare costs in the workplace (Ipsos Reid 2004).

Hoping and praying that stress will go away is not the answer. We need to manage it as best we can and with any and all tools that are available. If we don’t we, along with our companies, could pay a huge price - burnout, anxiety or depression.

So where does laughter come in? Stress is our body’s natural reaction to perceived danger. In order to deal with the threat, stress hormones are released, muscles tense, the heart beats faster and we breathe rapidly to get more oxygen to the lungs, brain and muscles. Recent scientific research has proven that laughter reduces stress.

How does it work? When we laugh, our muscles tighten but relax right after. Everyone knows how those rigid stomach muscles can hurt when you’re having a good guffaw. Dr William Fry of Stanford University found that 1 minute of laughter is equivalent to 10 minutes of rowing. Also stress hormones are reduced and air is forced out of our lungs forcing us to breathe more deeply and slowly.

This is great news! A good chuckle is one more tool for reducing workplace stress and is more fun than working out. The question is how can we use it? Does this mean we need to brush up on our joke telling or develop a comedy routine? Luckily, no. It is much easier than you think.

Here are three simple strategies:

1. Take ourselves lightly but our jobs seriously.

Many of us are very serious at work, which is essential, but forget to separate the intensity of our jobs from our lives. This awareness is the first step toward change and making room for more laughter. Lighten up and remember laughter is a healthy and quick way to reduce stress.

2. Create a laughter kit.

Fill the kit with things that makes you giggle or smile, then use it when needed. A collection might include: cartoons, videos, stories, pictures, and audio clips – whatever works for you. Try visiting one of my favourite cartoonists www.glasbergen.com. As Milton Berle said “Laughter is an instant vacation” so anything that makes us laugh will be the perfect stress break.

3. Try laughter yoga.

Laughter yoga was started in 1995 in India. Now there are over 5,000 laughter yoga clubs in 50 countries. With laughter yoga, we don’t need jokes or funny pictures because we essentially laugh for no reason. Specific activities get us faking the laughter but genuine laughter quickly kicks in because it’s so contagious. By the end, the laughter is natural. Attend a laughter club and then bring the activities to your next office meeting or offsite. For more information about laughter yoga, visit laughter-yoga.ca/laughter_yoga.pdf

Now we know that laughter isn’t just about playing – it’s about surviving in the workplace.

By: Wendy Woods
Wendy Woods is a certified laughter yoga leader and has developed unique programs to bring laughter into the workplace to reduce stress, improve relationships and boost productivity. For more information, please contact her at wwoods@watershedtraining.ca and visit http://www.watershedtraining.ca

Featured by Resources For Attorneys, a Legal Resources and Lifestyle directory for attorneys, lawyers and the general internet public.

There is an old saying, "laughter is the best medicine". Why not treat yourself to some laughter? Visit our jokes directory and relax with some jokes, humor and humerous anecdotes.