It's no secret that how we feel can have a significant impact on our bodies, and there's one emotion that can cause some serious damage: stress. Stress triggers the body's fight-or-flight response, which is designed to protect your body in emergencies. However, when the stress response keeps firing day after day, it can disrupt our entire nervous system.
Stress is a natural physical and mental reaction to life experiences. Considering the world we live in today, it's no wonder our stress hormones are constantly being spiked. Have you ever been in a difficult situation and had someone tell you to calm down? It's can very quickly make you feel like you want to punch them in the face and is possibly the most unhelpful advice because remaining calm isn't always that easy, especially when you're right in the middle of it all.
We've put together a stress-reducing morning routine that, when used consistently over time, can help keep your stress hormones balanced and reduce the side effects of being in a constant fight-or-flight mode.
Screen Time:
Everything in our lives now revolves around screens, whether you're studying, working, or scrolling through TikTok at 10 PM on a Sunday. Excessive screen time isn't good for our brains. A great way to relax your mind is by switching off. Instead of reaching for your phone in the evening or as soon as you wake up, try activities like reading a book or journaling. The best thing to do is avoid screen time for an hour before bedtime and an hour after waking up. We know it's hard, but it's a total game-changer for sleep patterns, and you'll thank yourself in the long run!
Reduce Your Caffeine Intake:
Again, if you're a coffee addict like me, this can be a tough pill to swallow. Although coffee might feel like it's giving you more energy, it's actually doing the opposite. Excessive coffee consumption can seriously spike your stress levels and put you in a vicious cycle of insomnia. The good news is you don't have to cut it out completely; just try to limit your intake and stop drinking caffeine at least six hours before bedtime.
Nourish Your Body:
Research has shown a strong relationship between a healthy gut microbiome (all the good bacteria living in your gut) and improved mental health. When you wake up, opt for a nutrient-dense breakfast full of whole foods and healthy fats. People often like to eat breakfast on the go, but to start your day right, make some time for yourself to sit down and be mindful about what you're putting into your body.
Journaling:
Your emotional health can affect your physical health and, in turn, impact your stress hormones. It's easy to feel rushed all the time or put yourself last, but the best thing you can do is love yourself by dedicating time in your day to reflection and gratitude. Journaling is a great way to start processing any difficult emotions you might be feeling.
These are just some things you can start doing in your daily routines to help you 'stay calm' in the hectic world we all live in. Just remember to go easy on yourself and take everything one step at a time.
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