We all know how much of a role stress plays in our every day lives; it's a primary or underlying factor - from relationships to work, kids, mental health, family, friends etc. the list goes on. With so many things happening outside of our control it's a constant reminder of how much more we need to contribute time to taking care of ourselves in order to maintain balance. Addressing stress culprits should be your main goal & learning how to eliminate and/or manage them should be next.
Managing Stress with Adaptogens
Adaptogenic herbs help your body adapt to stress, mainly by supporting the production of stress related neurotransmitters and hormones. Adaptogens can increase or decrease the function of any particular system based on what the body needs most. They help you feel less stress while increasing energy levels.
Depending on the herb, some also calm, invigorate, protect the body from toxins, decrease inflammation, balance blood sugar, improve circulation and/or improve digestion. Most support: Fertility, Libido
Reproductive function, Overall vitality and Immune strength and modulation.
Stimulating Adaptogens
When your body is feeling depleted, drained, deficient, dragging and depressed, stimulating adaptogens represent the most potent source of physical and mental energy.
Energizing Adaptogens
ginseng species
eleuthero
rhodiola
codonopsis
jiaogulan
cordyceps
Balancing and Calming Adaptogens (energy & anxiety relief)
reishi
schizandra
ashwagandha
gotu kola
holy basil
bacopa
shatavari
and possibly chaga
Some of the negative effects of long-term stress include the following:
Cognition and memory issues
Insomnia
Fatigue and / or feeling “ wired ”
Depression and / or anxiety
Increased inflammation
Poor metabolism, including elevated cortisol and blood sugar, which can lead to diabetes and abdominal weight gain
Slow digestion, indigestion, gas, pain, bloating, irritable bowel syndrome, and / or constipation
Reduced cardiovascular health, including increased risk of stroke, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol levels
Decreased libido and impaired reproductive health and function
Decreased detoxification
Slower, less adequate digestion and elimination
Decreased immune function
Slower, less effective wound healing and reduced connective tissue integrity
By incorporating daily activities such as exercising, meditating, journaling, walking outside, some sort of self-care regime, you'll see a significant difference in your mood, your energy and your approach to situations. These practices can be instrumental when dealing with everyday stresses and are preventative measures from forming any of the negative affects listed above.
In addition to physical activity, the things we consume and our relationship with food is just as instrumental when it comes to managing stress and increasing our energy. Heavy processed foods will leave us feeling un-energetic, bloated, un-motivated and ready for a midday nap. Empty calories tend to do this. They add nothing more than temporary satisfaction and added calories that do more harm than good long term. Try adding more whole grains, fruits and vegetables to your diet. If you can't do it for breakfast, try doing it for lunch or even dinner - the more meals containing less sugar and more leafy vegetables, the better for your energy levels.
Foods for optimum energy
Fruits
Bananas
Oranges
Goji Berries
Avocados
Strawberries
Apples
Foods & Vegetables
Leafy greens (kale, spinach)
Brown rice
Sweet potatoes
Quinoa
Lentils
Hummus
Nuts
Beans