Balancing Stress Hormones
It has become so apparent that Stress can be a silent killer. Our lifestyles can be completely manic and we are constantly in what’s called ‘fight or flight mode’. This is where our central nervous system feels under attack and our Adrenaline and Cortisol (stress hormones) are through the roof. The trick is to be able to read when you’re in this mode and balance yourself out again (easier said than done).
UNDERSTAND AND LISTEN TO YOUR BODY - . You know that heart pounding, head aching kind of severe stress feeling? We need to recognise, stop and sort it out. This is why burnout has become such a problem in the last few years when people seem to override how their body is feeling and just carry on. You must try get into the habit of noticing this anxious feeling, and trying your best to calm it down. The simplest way is taking 3 deep, slow breaths with your eyes closed. It takes seconds to do but chemically it slows down your central nervous system. Just breathe in through your nose for 6-8 seconds and out through your mouth for the same time. This is the quickest and oldest trick in the book.
MOVE TO SUPPORT - We use exercise as a way of de stressing our minds, but we have to remember exercise is a stressor to our bodies. Learning which style of movement supports you when you’re stressed and run down is a must. Usually something low impact is a great thing to do if you’re feeling wound up, rather than a high intensity class. The GS Method is all about this, whilst still getting results we keep your stress levels balanced. It’s a win win situation.
FUEL - Don’t get me wrong we all love a bit of caffeine or sugar to pick us up when feeling super low on energy, but the timing when you have these is key. If our body is pumped with adrenaline and then we consume these stimulants we are set to be on a rollercoaster ride that no doubt will come crashing down. Drink your coffee when you feel calm, try avoid process sugars (read the hidden sugars article), and eat your food mindfully and slowly. All of these things can help keep stress levels simmer rather than bubble over.
SLEEP SCHEDULE - Having a regular sleep pattern can be life changing. A lot of people think that they will just try get as much sleep as they can every night, but levelling up from that is going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. Our circadian rhythm can have a direct impact on the way we feel and our hormones. Sticking to a time schedule means our body gets into a natural rhythm and knows what’s coming, no shocks and you will instantly see an increase in energy.
CREATE YOUR OWN PROTECTIVE BUBBLE - A lot of us will unconsciously take on other people’s stress or the stress of our environment. Whilst there is not much we can do about external stress, we can be aware of when we are putting ourselves in an anxious situation. Energy attracts energy so just be mindful to separate from the stress that’s not yours and surround yourself where possible with positivity.
I hope this has helped some of you out, keep practicing these 5 points in order to relieve some stress from your life.
© GS Method