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!