Stress Less – A Journey to Better Health

Stress Less – A Journey to Better Health

Stress, it’s like that annoying guest who overstays their welcome. We’ve all got enough of it, especially when dealing with health challenges like prolactinoma, premature ovarian failure, and the rollercoaster of sobriety. Reducing stress and supporting our bodies through supplements and nutrition is crucial. Let me share my approach to managing stress and boosting my energy levels through exercise, healthy eating, and more!

Move Your Body, Find Your Groove

Exercise – the word alone used to stress me out. I tried lifting weights, but I was so focused on creating the perfect routine, counting reps, and eating enough protein that it became more of a chore than a stress reliever. Then, I had a lightbulb moment: why not just move my body?

Now, I go for walks, ride my Peloton bike, and even consider yard work a form of exercise. I’ve embraced Pilates and calisthenics, adding stretching into the mix. Stretching often gets overlooked, but it’s fantastic for flexibility and relaxation. The goal isn’t to sculpt the perfect body but to be healthy and feel good.

Benefits of Stretching:

• Improves flexibility: Helps with daily activities and reduces the risk of injuries.
• Reduces muscle tension: A quick way to relax those tight muscles.
• Enhances circulation: Boosts blood flow, aiding muscle recovery.

Eat Well, Feel Well

During my drinking days, my diet was, well, less than stellar. Late-night takeout, endless snacking, and calorie-laden tequila shots and seltzers took their toll. Sobriety brought a shift – I started focusing on whole foods. Fruits, veggies, lean meats, and plenty of hydration became my staples. Smoothies became my go-to, loaded with coconut milk, chia seeds, fruits, veggies, and protein powder. I will post in the future my favorite recipes!

Foods That Help with Hormonal Balance:

• Leafy greens: Packed with vitamins and minerals that support hormonal health.
• Berries: Antioxidants galore to fight inflammation.
• Nuts and seeds: Great for healthy fats and fiber.
• Lean proteins: Essential for hormone production and balance.

Hydration is key – our bodies need water to function properly. Since upping my water intake, I’ve noticed better skin, improved digestion, and more energy. Plus, it keeps those pesky hunger pangs at bay.

Benefits of Drinking Water:

• Boosts energy levels: Helps maintain optimal bodily functions.
• Improves skin health: Keeps your skin hydrated and glowing.
• Aids digestion: Promotes regular bowel movements and prevents constipation.

Digital Detox

Last summer, my phone got more attention than my kids – not my proudest moment. Cutting down on phone and social media usage has been a game-changer. I’m not perfect, but I’m working on it. More time offline means more quality time with family, less comparison with others, and a clearer mind.

Social media, while it can be a great tool for connection, often has a dark side. Mindless scrolling can easily consume hours of your day, leaving you feeling unproductive and drained. Even worse is the constant comparison to others. Social media platforms are filled with highlight reels of other people’s lives – perfect vacations, flawless skin, seemingly effortless successes. It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing your behind-the-scenes to someone else’s highlight reel, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.

Research shows that excessive social media use can contribute to anxiety, depression, and loneliness. The curated perfection we see online can make us feel like we’re not measuring up. The reality is, everyone’s life has ups and downs, but social media often only showcases the ups. By reducing screen time, we’re not only reclaiming hours of our day but also protecting our mental health.

Benefits of Reducing Screen Time:

• Improves sleep: Reduces blue light exposure, helping you sleep better.
• Enhances focus: Less distraction, more productivity.
• Boosts mental health: Less comparison and FOMO, more happiness and self-esteem.
• Strengthens real-life relationships: More time to connect with loved ones face-to-face.

Making a conscious effort to put down the phone and be present in the moment can lead to a more fulfilling and less stressful life. Whether it’s setting specific times for checking social media, turning off notifications, or even taking a complete break from certain platforms, these small changes can make a big difference.

Do Something For Yourself

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s crucial to carve out time for yourself. Whatever you enjoy doing, make it a priority for at least 30 minutes a day, if not more. For me, that’s putting on my headphones, listening to lo-fi music, and cleaning. Yes, you read that right – I love cleaning. Deep cleaning and rearranging the house are my zen activities. It might seem odd to some, but it’s incredibly satisfying and therapeutic for me.

Taking time to do something you love can have numerous benefits:

• Reduces stress: Engaging in a favorite activity helps relax your mind and body.
• Boosts mood: Doing what you enjoy releases endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals.
• Increases productivity: Taking a break to do something for yourself can refresh your mind, making you more productive in other tasks.
• Improves mental health: Regularly engaging in enjoyable activities can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Remember, self-care isn’t selfish. It’s essential. Find what makes you happy and make it a non-negotiable part of your daily routine.

Know Your Levels

Regular blood tests are essential for identifying nutrient deficiencies and ensuring your body is functioning optimally. They can reveal if you’re lacking in critical vitamins and minerals, which can impact everything from your energy levels to your mood. For example, I discovered I was low in magnesium and vitamin D through my blood tests. As a result, I started taking these supplements to address the deficiencies. Magnesium is crucial for muscle and nerve function, while vitamin D supports bone health and immune function.

Additionally, I began incorporating Milk Thistle into my regimen to support liver health. This herb is known for its antioxidant properties and can help protect the liver from damage. I also added an adaptogen herbal complex, which includes herbs that help the body adapt to stress and support emotional balance. Adaptogens can be beneficial for managing stress and maintaining a stable mood.

I also take DIM (Diindolylmethane), which is derived from cruciferous vegetables. DIM supports healthy estrogen metabolism and can be particularly helpful for managing hormonal imbalances, which is important given my health conditions.

Choosing the right supplements can make a significant difference in your overall well-being, but it’s essential to base these choices on your specific needs. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplements to ensure they are appropriate for you and won’t interact with any medications or conditions you may have.

Sleep Regimen 

Establishing a sleep regimen has been crucial in improving my rest and overall well-being. About 30 minutes before bed, I take my prescribed progesterone, which helps regulate my hormones and supports restful sleep. I also incorporate DIM and Magnesium glycinate into my nightly routine—DIM aids in hormonal balance, while Magnesium glycinate promotes relaxation and reduces muscle tension. Despite my best efforts to avoid screen time, I sometimes find myself on Depop with a blue light filter on, browsing until I feel sleepy. I’ve found that using an eyemask has made a noticeable difference in my sleep quality, helping to reduce puffiness around my eyes and create a more restful environment. While I’m still working on sticking strictly to my no-phone rule, these elements combined have significantly enhanced my sleep experience, leaving me feeling more refreshed and ready to tackle the day.

Final Thoughts