2019 was one of the most stressful years for me! “If it isn’t one thing, it’s another” is an old adage that I couldn’t have related to more. The beginning of last year started out with my youngest son having to stay in the hospital since his temperature kept skyrocketing. The doctors were unable to find out what was the cause of his high fever, but his condition improved within a few days. I wish I could say he has been in perfect health ever since, but he has had back-to-back doctor visits over enlarged tonsils and recurrent ear infections.

It wasn’t until a few months later after his hospital stay that I had issues with my own health. This led to countless doctor visits since it was suspected that I had breast cancer. It turned out that I had a benign tumor (fibroadenoma) after I received my results from the core biopsy. They performed an excisional biopsy a couple of months after the core biopsy since they found the size concerning. 2019 threw plenty of curveballs (and medical bills) my way!

Overwhelming workload, deadlines, debt, lack of sleep, moving, or the pressures of everyday life can pack on a varying amount of stress! With the demands of everyday life, we have all experienced stress at some point or another. It’s inevitable! Recent studies indicate that 77% of Americans regularly experience physical symptoms caused by stress. Stress can have a negative impact on our physical and mental health.

There are some situations and outcomes that we simply can’t control, but it is our choice how we deal, respond, or react when life throws these curveballs our way. I got to a point where I was starting to stress out about even the most trivial things. I had no choice but to sit down and evaluate how to tame this beast of stress since I was starting to feel worn out and overwhelmed by it. This has taught me to strive on doing my best and stop focusing on the outcome.

CBD is well known for its calming effects minus the high that you’ll get from THC. Some may still associate CBD with marijuana since it’s in the same genus yet the difference between the two is that marijuana needs to have 0.3 percent THC or higher, whereas hemp does not. Research on CBD is based on studies that have found that the endocannabinoid system is made up of a network of receptor sites on cell membranes throughout the body. These cannabinoids behave as chemical activators that fit into those sites (CB1 & CB2). CB1 receptors are found predominately in the brain and central nervous system, and CB2 receptors in immune system cells and, to a lesser extent, in the brain.

In female cannabis plants, the CBD is a non-psychoactive compound that increases the concentrations of a natural cannabinoid known as anandamide in the brain. It helps regulate serotonin and dopamine, the neurotransmitters that play a role in emotional behavior. Preliminary findings indicate that CBD supports a healthy inflammatory reaction, encourages relaxation, and maintain the nervous system function in the body.

Qemp is formulated with full-spectrum whole plant hemp-based CBD extract in combination with a proprietary herbal blend. Each herbal ingredient was specifically chosen to interact with CBD on a molecular level that assists in the body’s processes to help boost the mood, calm the mind, and relieve nervous tension.

Made from specially selected domestic hemp, Qemp products are non-intoxicating and contain less than .03% THC, complying with the federal requirements of the 2018 Farm Bill. Qemp’s product lineup includes Daily Use CBD Oil (17 mg), Daily Use CBD Oil (30 mg), Daytime Formula, Nighttime Formula, Qemp Zero Peppermint, and Relief CBD Cream.

Deep belly breathing is taught in yoga, meditation, and martial arts. This simple and easy technique is one of the best ways to help bring your blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol levels down naturally. There are various breathing exercises, but the 4-7-8 breathing exercise taught by Dr. Andrew Weil is one of my favorites. Not only it’s ideal for mild to moderate anxiety, but it can help you fall asleep easier and stave off food cravings. Many people know that meditation can be a great way to calm and relax the mind and body. But did you know that a few supplements, like oils and incense, can actually enhance your meditation practice? That’s right – the aromatic smoke from incense or oils can help to soothe and relax the mind, and it’s also been shown to improve cognitive performance and memory. Not to mention, the health benefits of incense include improved respiratory health, reduced stress levels, and increased immunity. So if you’re looking for a way to take your meditation practice to the next level, try using them. You may be surprised at how much of a difference it can make.

Sleep deprivation can suppress your system, making us susceptible to illness. This is why a good night’s rest is essential for one’s well-being. It also helps a person function better when they’re well-rested. It gives them the mental clarity and balance they need to power through the next day. The benefits that a good night’s sleep provides are endless!

For better sleep, I recommend investing in a high-quality pillow like Juvea, doing light stretching, deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to help your body and mind transition to sleep; easing yourself into sleep mode by drinking chamomile or lavender tea, applying on Qemp Nighttime Formula, keeping your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool (between 60 and 67 degrees), and escorting all devices completely out of your bedroom.

Not many of us think about it, but the quality of the air we breathe can have an effect on how we think and our overall surroundings. Productivity is one of the perks of breathing clean air. Having an air purifier as well as a few Himalayan salt lamps strewn throughout the home has helped me improve the air quality. It may sound odd to some, but I feel less overwhelmed and more creative since using these items in my home. With their beautiful glowing hues of orange, these salt lamps help create a serene atmosphere in any room.

I can talk from experience when it comes to anxiety and I can sympathize profoundly with others affected by it since I know how anxiety feels. I have had social anxiety and panic disorder for years! I try to stay away from allopathic treatments (i.e. conventional medicine) as much as I can, especially since I find that natural methods have a tendency to work better in my favor. I’m not dismissing conventional medicine since I know what works for me may not work for others and vice versa. However, I recommend herbs like skullcap, passionflower, valerian root, lemon balm, holy basil, and Rhodiola Rosea if you’re wanting to take a holistic approach. Many of these herbs can be found in herbal tea or supplements.

For anxiety and stress relief, my top two favorite brands for supplements are Gaia Herbs and Organic India. In addition to Organic India’s extensive supplement line, they also have a wide variety of herbal teas! Some of my favorite products between the two brands are Gaia Herbs Calm A.S.A.P., Organic India Tulsi Sweet Rose Tea, Gaia Herbs Rhodiola Rosea, Organic India Ashwagandha, and Gaia Herbs Holy Basil Leaf.