Today I wanted to go over some frequently asked questions I get from women regarding stress and the effect it has on our bodies.
We all deserve a life beyond burnout; beyond crippling stress and the toll it takes on our bodies. So, let's dive in.
Adrenal Fatigue
Question: What is the deal with adrenal fatigue? What is it? How does it work? How can I deal with it?
Answer: Adrenals are glands that sit on top of your kidneys and are a part of your endocrine system. Think of your endocrine system as your main airport. When airports have high amounts of traffic for extended periods of time, there is no time for cleaning, upgrades, or maintenance. Flights will be delayed and the airport won't function properly.
If you're experiencing low energy levels more often than not no matter how much sleep you've gotten, you may be experiencing adrenal fatigue. This occurs when the adrenals have been overworked to the point that they no longer secrete normal levels of cortisol. Stress is a normal part of life, but too much of it isn't good for us.
Adrenal fatigue can be healed by getting the right kinds of exercise, getting your sleep schedule on track, and other simple lifestyle adjustments.
Stress and Sleep
Question: How can I get better sleep?
Answer: If you lay in bed scrolling through social media or watching TV up until the minute you close your eyes, then you are likely not getting the best sleep you possibly can. Not only do the light and colors from devices stimulate our brains, but we often see things online that contribute to our stress levels just when we should be putting our worries aside for the evening.
Here are a few suggestions to get you into dreamland faster:
If at all possible, put away your technological devices an hour before bed. Read, journal, or listen to soothing music instead.
If you read books on your phone, place your device on airplane mode to help prevent scrolling on social media as you try to unwind for the night.
Use apps that allow you to go into black-and-white mode. When you see color, it stimulates your brain, and when you are stimulated, you don’t sleep well.
Stress Management
Question: What are some things I can do to help relieve stress?
Answer: Here are five small actions you can take to help with stress management.
1. Stick to a steady sleep schedule. Wake up and go to sleep at the same time every day. Avoid hitting snooze.
2. Eat your meals around the same time each day
3. Move your body for at least fifteen minutes every day
4. Drink half of your body weight in ounces of water daily
5. Find something easy to incorporate into your routine that brings you joy. For example, reading a book for just 10 minutes in the morning.
Here are two of my favorite books:
WomanCode: Perfect Your Cycle, Amplify Your Fertility, Supercharge Your Sex Drive, and Become a Power Source by Alisa Vitti, HHC.
Balance Your Hormones, Balance Your Life: Achieving Optimal Health and Wellness through Ayurveda, Chinese Medicine, and Western Science by Dr. Claudia Welch.
Feelings of Malaise
Question: Lately I have been feeling groggy and lazy and it's hard to function. What's going on with me?
Answer: Even if you are getting enough sleep every night, feelings of grogginess are common if you don't have a consistent sleep schedule. Try to make sure you are going to sleep and waking up at the same time every day, drinking enough water, and getting your body moving daily. Many of us spend all day seated at our desks and think all that sedentary time should mean we have tons of energy after work. Often, the opposite is true. Spending all day sitting down can leave us feeling sluggish. You can combat this by going for a walk or stretching first thing in the morning before you start your work day.
Another tip to increase your energy levels is to engage in bhastrika breath. Inhale, lift your arms up to the sky, and on the exhale, bring your elbows to your side body. Do this for thirty seconds, take a break, and then repeat two to three more times. You will feel so much more energized!
Have More Questions?
Still have burning questions about how to relieve stress? Schedule a complimentary breakthrough call with me today. I'm here to help with all your burnout and stress management concerns.
