This post covers the important things to get straight in regard to our lifestyle.
SLEEP
The first area that needs to be addressed is SLEEP.
Most people who have adrenal problems also suffer with sleeping problems too. This can vary from mild sleeping issues to major insomnia. Most commonly it’s restless sleep where you have difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep. It’s largely because your cortisol levels are out of whack. They should be lowering during the evening and night but instead they are going in the opposite direction and this keeps you awake or wakes you up in the night. Lack of sleep equals lack of energy and the negative cycle continues.
Getting to bed by 10pm is important as it’s more restorative for the adrenals. And anytime you can sleep in until 9am then go for it because that helps too. I’ve personally got the 10pm thing down but I’m up with the birds singing and find it hard to lie in bed when I’ve got writing and work to do 
Turn off your technology before going to bed, including television. Instead read a book or do some breathing exercises or yoga. I find a good stretch for 30 minutes before bed helps me to unwind and sleep better. These are small and trivial things but you will be surprised at how much of a difference it makes to learn to switch off and wind down at the end of the day. Small steps can equal BIG returns on investment.
Get rid of electronic clocks near the bed and sleep in a dark room (if you can). Electromagnetic frequencies can disturb hormones so turn off any electrical items in the bedroom.
There’s a herb that flattens cortisol to help you sleep better at night. It’s known as Phosphatidyl Serine. Valerian is another good herb for calming the nerves and aiding sleep. Taking magnesium 30 minutes before bed helps the muscles and mind to relax. Rub lavender on the temples and include some homeopathics where needed. I’ll go into more depth on these things later in the series when we get to discussing supplements and natural remedies.
REST
Rest is also equally important and something we don’t tend to do enough. We’ll just keep pushing on and on and on. But what we need to do is stop and take a rest if we need to, even if that means lying on the floor at work for 10 minutes when you get the chance. Don’t push yourself.
This is a really hard thing to do. For years I felt guilty stopping because I’ve always got so much to do. I also don’t like wasting hours in the day because time flys by so fast and I don’t like to miss it. I’ve always been one to run like a bull at a gate, I am an Aries after all But I’m learning more and more how to nurture myself so now I rest and take a break if I need to, then get back to business.
So take some time out whenever you can to rest.
RELAXATION
Let’s take it one step further to the topic of relaxation. Do you get any?
In honest truth I don’t get enough, and many of us in modern day life don’t. But we need to find ways to fit more of it into our busy schedules.
Relaxation comes in all shapes and forms and depends on what you enjoy. Reading a book, taking a bath, going for an outdoor stroll, taking a picnic, gardening or other hobbies and laid back activities. These are all ways to relax.
Then there’s things like practicing yoga, Qigong, Tai Chi, or a form of meditation to help you find a deeper level of relaxation.
Try to do something every day to relax.
FUN & LAUGHTER
Is there fun and laughter in your life?
Life is not meant to be all work and sorrow, we need fun and more importantly laughter. Go out with friends, see a band, watch a comedy and look for ways to bring some laughter and joy into your life.
DESTRESS
All of the above things are going to help to destress the system and when it comes to adrenal fatigue, dealing with stress is what we need to learn to do better. We can’t just keep going on and on but need to implement strategies. And when I say strategies, I don’t mean some elusive thing that may take you a long time to learn. A strategy can be as simple as sitting down, closing your eyes and taking a few deep breaths to relax.
What helps you destress? Do more of it
GO NATURAL
There’s enough pollutants in the air and our environment so try to keep your home clean and natural. Use natural cleaning products, natural beauty and bath products, natural health products, and all natural stuff where possible. We absorb chemicals through our skin and these do have an affect on us. So do your best to use natural wherever possible.
POSITIVITY
This may sound a bit airy fairy but the more you think positive and be positive in your life, the more positive energy comes your way. Have gratitude every day for the things you have, appreciate things, think positive thoughts, take positive actions, and more positivity will flow your way. Thinking positive also helps us deal with the many emotional stressors that come our way. Instead of responding with the negative, we can choose to respond in a positive light, even when things are a little dismal.
As the popular saying goes: ‘Always look on the bright side of life’ and it really does help alot.
Now all of the things I’ve mentioned above may seem trivial but we only see improvements if we take what we read and learn and then go and put it into action. So what I want you to do is just write a short list of a few things you are going to DO to help yourself today.
In fact, why don’t you share a few things on that list with me now by leaving a comment below, because sharing it openly is a very positive action in itself.
Jedha
Nutritionist & Health Coach
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