Managing stress part two: Herbs for stress and my life-hacks to reset your nervous system
There are a number of fantastic herbal medicines called adaptogens that that will assist your body to adapt to stress.
· Ashwagandha (Withania) - For stress and anxiety
· Rehmannia - For prolonged stress and immune modulation
· Licorice – helps the adrenals regulate cortisol, also helps regulate the gut
· Medicinal mushrooms - (Lions mane, Cordyceps, Reishi, Shitake) - Immune support, helps to manage blood sugar, anti-inflammatory, supports the nervous system
· Siberian ginseng - Stress management and supporting energy production
· Tumeric - Anti-inflammatory, immune-modulating
Below I am sharing some of my life hacks to re-set your nervous system and start taking care of yourself. In a society that really values hard work, no rest, pushing harder and striving for your goals we can often forget about ourselves. Here are some areas to consider or try incorporating into your life when the stress starts to creep in.
· Meditation – studies show meditation reduces stress, anxiety and enhances emotional health
· Paying attention to the ‘stories’ we tell ourselves. check out @petajean_ for more on this work
· Addressing post traumas through therapy or talking it out with a friend
· Rest practice – check out @thedailyrest
· Addressing sleep issues - e.g no screens 60 mins prior to going to bed, create a bedtime ritual to help signal to the body that is sleep time.
· Movement – the right type of movement, deep nourishing movement is vital such as yoga, pilates, dance, deep breathing/breathwork. No heavy weight lifting, running or HIIT
· Sex (an orgasm more specifically) has been proven to reduce cortisol levels!
Live in alignment with your soul
So often I see patients who really dislike their jobs, relationship, living arrangements and this can be really stressful on the body.
Dream BIG
Start by writing out what your dream life would look like and start taking baby steps towards it every day.
Nourish your creative side
That might be writing/journaling, painting, drawing, crafting, sewing, making or building things, whatever makes your heart sing.
Self-care
I find self-care brings me back to myself. I have a list of things that I draw upon when I’m feeling stressed such as:
• Morning ritual
• Walk
• Breathwork
• Rest practice
• Essential oils
• Epsom salts bath
• Warm chamomile tea
• Bulletproof hot chocolate
• Supplements
• Meditation
• Warm foot bath
• You can add whatever you love doing and fills your cup but have a list somewhere that you can see it, to remind yourself about the importance of you and your self-care.
Other therapies I love for stress management:
· Chiropractic (vagal nerve adjustments)
· Kinesiology
· Acupuncture
· Energy healing
· Understanding your Human Design
Essential Oils
I use Young Living essential oils for their unparalleled quality. A few of my favourites include:
· Stress Away
· Copaiba
· Grounding
· Sara
· Lavender
· Peace & Calming 1 and 2
· Sandalwood
· Cedarwood
· Frankincense
If you have any questions or would like to book in a consultation, please contact us