How to Deal with Adrenal Fatigue
In recent times, the word “stress” has garnered a lot of attention, as society began to experience a gradual rise overall. Certainly, in the past 2 years, with the many changes we have all undergone, we have discovered how much stress we are under. Being in a constant state of high stress is truly harmful to us. There are many long-term detrimental effects that we should all seek to avoid.
Stress causes adrenal fatigue. Our adrenal glands sit on top of our kidneys and act as the body’s main stress responder by releasing the hormones epinephrine, norepinephrine, and cortisol into our blood so we can “prepare for battle” or also known as the fight or flight response. This action increases blood pressure, heart rate, and makes us ready for whatever challenge we have to face. There are many side effects to stress, especially if our stress response is always heightened. We can suffer from headaches or ulcers, experience weight gain, heart and digestive problems, and may have increased allergies and asthma. Stress is a necessary response to danger. However, chronic stress is a condition we need to address.
One of the biggest effects of chronic stress is lack of sleep. This creates a cyclical situation that only serves to compound the problem – lack of sleep drives us to more caffeine, alcohol to help us relax, and refined sugars in comfort foods provide a temporary sense of well-being. All these contribute to our adrenal glands remaining in a constant heightened state, which will over time, cause adrenal fatigue.
There is good news though. We can prevent adrenal fatigue by taking control of stress. This is done by making a few lifestyle changes, which will pay dividends in so many areas of our lives, as well as combating that ever-present stressful state we live in.
Sleep. It is a fact – you need it. Ideally, adults need 7.5 hours a night for full restoration. Turn off the screens, make a cup of tea, and head to bed early. Try some ambient music playing softly in the background. Within days you will feel a difference.
Cut back on some of the refined sugars that only exacerbate the stress response. It also includes alcohol, which we are learning is far more harmful than previously thought. Alcohol disrupts sleep, and so does caffeine, especially if consumed after 2 pm.
Become a list maker. Keeping notes of the things that you need to do, even in your phone or on a small chalk board, really helps combat the feeling that you’re always behind in your tasks or forgetting something. While you are writing out your list, straighten up your environment a little bit. A messy space makes us feel out of control, while a tidy space helps us feel empowered and in more control of our environment. Feeling in better control leads to improved outlook.
We can’t always help our mood, but trying to maintain a positive attitude does have a beneficial effect. Laughter is genuinely medicine. Indulge in a sitcom or cute kitten videos online or play a game with loved ones. Board games have seen a resurgence in popularity for good reason: we get to sit face to face, talk, laugh, and escape together for a while.
Think of the things in your life that make you feel gratitude. Get outside for some exercise. Enjoy some fresh air and sunshine. Exercise is proven to improve mood and helps combat stress.
Trying some – or all – of the above would be a great start to finding ways to start taking control of your feelings of chronic stress and to combat or prevent adrenal fatigue. Taking WomenSense® AdrenaSense® will also help.
AdrenaSense is an adrenal gland supporting formula with adaptogens such as Rhodiola, Suma, Siberian Ginseng, Schisandra, and Ashwagandha to help reduce stress, improve energy, and promote restful sleep. These adaptogens are greatly appreciated for a wide variety of actions. They are known to help fight fatigue, reduce levels of stress hormones circulating in the body, enhance mental and physical performance, and increase the body’s capacity to cope with stress.
In the meantime, do you want to know how much stress you are currently under? Try taking this stress test and see where you fit in.