The Super S's: Stress + Sleep

These super S’s can reap havok on our bodies + we often put all the blame on food + exercise. However, depriving our bodies of sleep + allowing stress to take control can cause so many more side effects than a poor diet or lack of movement would.

Often times, those just add to the problem of not handling stress + not getting enough sleep. Sometimes it’s better to choose sleep or a calming activity over movement, in order to take care of yourself. Always put these two “super S’s” at the forefront of any healthy lifestyle plan.

4 Ways to Combat Stress

1. CREATE A MINDFULNESS PRACTICE

Try an App like Headspace or Calm

Listen to music

Breathe for 10 minutes

2. KEEP A JOURNAL

Use it to write down to-do lists or ideas

Purge your mind

Gratitude journal

3. PHYSICAL TOUCH

Hug it out!

Cuddle with kids

Massages, Acupuncture or Chiropractor

4. SUPPORT YOUR ADRENALS

With supplements + food

Nervous System Calming Exercises

Nature Grounding

Help Me Sleep

+ Eat Healthy + avoid large meals, or all food, before bedtime (3 hours before)

+ Avoid Caffeine + Alcohol in the evening

+ If you’re experiencing hot flashes, dress in lightweight pj’s + use a fan or A/C to stay cool

+ If hot flashes are constant, use supplements such as evening primrose oil, black cohash, red clover + dong quai

+ Work on Stress Reduction. Consider therapy for any depression, anxiety or sadness that you can’t seem to kick. Open up to girlfriends for support + an open ear.

+ Get enough exercise so that your body is ready to sleep

+ Try Yin Yoga in the evening, stretching + massage

+ Consult with your Doctor or Integrative MD + Consider one of these sleep aids: melatonin, GABA or 5-HTP, as these natural amino acids decrease with age + hormonal shift

+ Go back to the bedtime routine. Make one + stick to it!