Relieving Winter Woes Naturally

It's midwinter and you're suffering from muscle aches, headache, back pain and an overwhelming sense of exhaustion. Must be the flu, right? Could be. But you could also be showing the first signs and symptoms of too much stress.

The body reacts physically to tensions you're experiencing, including emotional and mental strains. Holiday pressures to do more, spend more and eat more create a series of tensions, and decreased sunlight during the daytime can send spirits plummeting.

You can help reduce such stress by eating well, exercising regularly and practicing relaxation techniques like yoga or deep breathing. And increasingly, more Americans are turning to natural approaches to stress relief that include herbs, teas and nutritional supplements that help the body adapt to stress. Some sip valerian root tea a half hour before bedtime to help them fall asleep. Others make ginseng supplements a part of their daily routine to improve mood, energy and mental functioning. Kava supplements may also help to relieve anxiety and contribute to greater well-being.

Another supplement that helps with temporary mood disorders is SAM-e. The powerful amino acid can provide a natural and fast aid to emotional balance, says Dr. Michael Seidman, co-chairman of the Alternative Medicine Committee at the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit.Studies have shown that SAM-e supplementation in people who are despondent caused increased serotonin and dopamine activity in the brain and improved the brain's ability to function normally. The results -- enhanced mood.

"Each person's reaction to wintertime mood disorders can be different, from overeating and oversleeping to feeling irritable and sluggish," Seidman says. "People need to find better ways to manage that stress."

Even "natural" solutions are not for everyone, however. As with all drugs or substances, check with your doctor before using them, especially if you have a medical condition or use other prescription or over-the-counter medications. For relief of serious, ongoing stress, social support and short-term counseling can also help.