After receiving an influx of questions from my blog earlier this month – 6 Ways to Stress Less This Fall, I realized just how popular stress is (and not in a good way).
So I wanted to make sure to offer you even more concrete action steps to support your adrenals, stress less, and build your resiliency.
One of the first places I start when a patient comes in with stress symptoms is to suggest supplemental forms of herbs or vitamins/minerals for adrenal support – based on their symptoms, blood work, and goals.
Adaptogenic Herbs – like Siberian Ginseng, Rhodiola, Licorice (contraindicated in high blood pressure) help with the following:
- Increase ability to adapt to stress and maintain balance.
- Support liver, immune, hormonal and central nervous systems.
- Result in increased stamina, mental work capacity, and cardiovascular function.
That’s why it’s important to enlist the support of a trusted Naturopathic doctor. Stress is not something you just have to “put up with.” You have more power than you think.
And to show you just how much power you have, here are a few things you can do – right now – if you are experiencing heightened anxiety:
- Decrease Stimulants – caffeine such as coffee, tea, pop, and chocolate.
- Increase serotonin Levels – sunshine exposure, exercise on regular basis, and vitamin B6.
- Eat Foods for Serotonin Production – turkey, tuna, eggs or milk.
- Relaxation Exercises – develop a simple stretch routine, breathing routine, or meditation you can do at your desk or at home for 5 minutes each day. I call them Time-Me Out sessions. I try to do them each day if I can.
- Balance Blood sugar with Diet – this is often overlooked but when our blood sugar is off, this can cause an anxious feeling. Try adding cinnamon to your tea, yogurt, or granola. Also lean proteins like organic, free range turkey, chicken or lean beef, as well as fiber rich foods – fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds (to name a few).
- Counseling or Coaching – visiting a Psychologist or Life Coach can help you through adversities or issues that arise while staying motivated and moving forward.
Remember that stress resiliency is yours to build. That’s why it’s important to know what you need. Because what works for someone else may not work for you. And it’s ok to take the time to figure it out. Try the above tips out and let me know how it goes. I always love being a part of your wellness journey!