Stress and Adrenal Fatigue
Lately, the word “stress” has been getting a lot of attention as society has begun to see a gradual increase of it globally. In the last year, due to the many changes we have all experienced, we have certainly found out how stressed we truly are. Being in a constant state of high stress is truly detrimental to us. There are many long-term adverse effects that we should all be looking to avoid.
Stress causes adrenal fatigue. These glands sit on top of our kidneys and act as the body’s main response to stress by releasing the hormones epinephrine, norepinephrine, and cortisol into our blood so that we can “brace for impact”, or the fight-or-flight response. This response increases blood pressure and heart rate and makes us ready for any challenge. Stress brings with it many side effects, especially if our stress response is always on high. We can experience headaches or ulcers, gain weight, have heart and digestive problems, and see increases in our allergies and asthma. Stress is a necessary response to danger. However, chronic stress is a state that we need to address.
One of the main effects of chronic stress is lack of sleep. This causes a cyclical situation that only makes the problem worse: lack of sleep causes us to consume more caffeine and alcohol to relax, and the refined sugars in comfort foods provide us with a temporary sense of well-being. All of these contribute to keeping our adrenal glands in a constant state of excitement which, over time, causes adrenal fatigue.
However, there is good news. We can prevent adrenal fatigue by controlling stress. We can do this by making a few changes to our lifestyle which will pay dividends in many areas of our lives, all while combating this pervasive state of stress that we live in.
Sleep. It’s a fact, we all need it. Ideally, adults need 7.5 hours per night to completely recuperate. Turn off the screens, make yourself a cup of tea, and get into bed early. Try some ambient music in the background. Within a few days, you will feel a difference.
Reduce your intake of refined sugars that only exacerbate the stress response. Also avoid alcohol, which we are learning is far more damaging than previously thought. Alcohol disrupts sleep, as does caffeine, especially if consumed after 2 pm.
Become a list maker. Keeping notes on things you need to do, even if it’s on your phone or on a small blackboard, truly helps combat the feeling of always being behind in your tasks or forgetting something. While you are making your list, organize your surroundings a bit. A cluttered space makes us feel like we aren’t in control, whereas a tidy space helps us feel more powerful and in control of our surroundings. Feeling more in control leads to an improved outlook.
We can’t always change our mood, but trying to maintain a positive attitude leads to a beneficial effect. Laughter truly is medicine. Indulge in a comedy or cute kitten videos online, or play a game with loved ones. Board games have seen a resurgence in popularity for a good reason: we can sit face to face, talk, laugh, and escape together for a while.
Think about the things in your life that make you feel grateful. Get outside for some exercise. Enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. Exercise is proven to improve mood and help combat stress.
Trying some, or all, of the above would be a great start to finding ways to begin to take control of your feelings of chronic stress and combat or prevent adrenal fatigue. Taking AdrenaSense will also help.
AdrenaSense is an adrenal support formula with adaptogens, including rhodiola, suma, Siberian ginseng, schisandra, and ashwagandha to help reduce stress, improve energy, and promote restful sleep. These adaptogens are highly regarded for a wide variety of actions. They are known to help fight fatigue, reduce the level of stress hormones circulating in the body, improve mental and physical performance, and increase the body’s capacity to cope with stress.
In the meantime, do you want to know how stressed you currently are? Take this stress test and see where you rank: https://womensense.com/stress-test/