How we deal with stress really determines the outcome of our health. Science now can see the effect of stress on different body systems. Nowadays 80% of all healthcare problems in the US have been linked to stress. But what should we do as women living in this stressful world in which we simply have to get things done?
Stress pushes our cortisol levels up, causing our immune system and our blood sugar levels up also. Stress has an effect on our hormones, moods and gut flora balance. One system of imbalance can lead to another system of imbalance and a domino effect can happen down to chronic stress. If we do somehow recover from stress, our lives as women and demands of motherhood can really lead us down a stress pattern again.
Taking herbs, supplements and use of essential oils can help to help recover from stress itself. One question to ask is, once you do have your life back, are you going to go down a spiral of stress again? If it is about balance, where would you start? Self care seems to be all the talk about bubble baths and spas nowadays. It is vital for us to not only survive but to thrive.
Keeping your cup full
My experience in treating women with chronic stress has taught me that they usually spent their time running around achieving, or are generally be very busy. Filling your own cup may look completely different, I would encourage you to really seek out the time to practice this on an everyday basis. Instead of giving you a list of things to do, I want to give you some direction to which you can really implement filling your cup on a longer term basis.
- Activities that make you feel good
Make a list of all the activities that are energy gainers. A lot of time this can be anywhere from reading, journaling to more extreme things like writing a book or baking a cake. Even if you do not do these activities often, listing them will give you a clear sense of what will make you feel well.
- One core practice
Going through your list identify one core practice that you can realistically implement. Choose the gentler option for now. If you do the gentler option and feel like you still have stamina, continue on to the more lively option. One core practice should be something that makes your own heart sing.
- Create a habit
This is where things can get tricky, since a lot of times we do set the proper intention to carve out time for ourselves but end up falling short. Sometimes scheduling in your activity will help create a habit out of the activity. When you schedule things in, most of the time it will get done.
Listen to your body
So many women that I work with say that the hardest part of filling their own cup is to let others help them or allowing themselves to rest. They tend to work hard for everyone else and have real fears around people thinking that they are not doing enough or being lazy. Running around and doing all sorts of tasks, while completely forgetting to listen to their bodies need for rest.
The minute that you hear your body telling you that you are a little tired now, you must do everything to stop what you are doing and sit down. If this is hard for you to do, it might be doable for you to schedule in your routine mid-morning for a rest, proper lunch and then mid-afternoon rest. The rest period will help you rebuild your energy and you will see that you can achieve much more with less fatigue.
If you would like some relaxation techniques, I have created a FREE printout for you along with some aromatherapy blends to help you stay calm throughout your day.
