Stress is inevitable, but it’s our perception and what we do with it that determines the toll it takes upon our health. Stress hormones have far-reaching effects on all body systems and tissues.
Here’s a handful of epic tools to combat daily stressors, softening the effect of stress on your mind and body:
1. A gentle walk or spending time in nature
Step outside and place your bare-feet on the earth, a practice known as ‘Earthing’. The modern way of living separates us from direct contact with the earth and recent research suggests that this disconnect is a major contributor to compromising our health and wellbeing. The earth’s surface holds an abundance of boundless and continuously renewed electrons, with negative potential. Emerging evidence indicates that this negative potential contributes significantly to creating a stable internal environment for the normal and cohesive functioning of all body systems. Think better sleep, hormonal balance, immune and inflammatory support and so much more!
2. Some Simple Questions To Help Shift your Stressy State
"What is the root cause of your stress?"
"Is your stress real or perceived?"
"What does it feel like for you to be ‘stressed’?"
"What can you do to soften your stress? What brings you joy?"
3. Breathing Practices or Meditation
Finding a buffer or anchor in times of stress can help switch you from a stressed state to a present and grounded one. This might be your breath (think deep belly breathing), senses (smell, sight, touch, taste, and sound) or other mindfulness or meditation techniques. Even better if you can practice this daily, as a means of prevention and building resilience.
4. Support Your Gut
Your gut is in direct communication with your brain, and vice-versa. Ever been moving through a particularly stressful time and noticed your bowel movements change in frequency or consistency? Bone Broth may support and soothe the convo between your gut and your brain.
5. Ensure Proper Protein Intake
Long-term, subtle or significant, stress can send us into a catabolic state, essentially leading to more breakdown than regeneration in the body, particularly of muscle tissue. With amino acids being the building blocks for our tissues and transmitters, it is essential that we ensure adequate proteins intake! Our Bone Broth Protein Powder is a simple, delicious way to boost this!
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References:
Oschman, J. L., Chevalier, G., & Brown, R. (2015). The effects of grounding (earthing) on inflammation, the immune response, wound healing, and prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Journal of Inflammation Research, 8, 83–96. https://doi.org/10.2147/JIR.S69656
Chevalier, G., Sinatra, S. T., Oschman, J. L., Sokal, K., & Sokal, P. (2012). Earthing: Health Implications of Reconnecting the Human Body to the Earth's Surface Electrons. Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 2012, 291541. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/291541
Carabotti M, Scirocco A, Maselli MA, Severi C. The gut-brain axis: interactions between enteric microbiota, central and enteric nervous systems. Ann Gastroenterol. 2015 Apr-Jun;28(2):203-209. PMID: 25830558; PMCID: PMC4367209.
Konturek PC, Brzozowski T, Konturek SJ. Stress and the gut: pathophysiology, clinical consequences, diagnostic approach and treatment options. J Physiol Pharmacol. 2011 Dec;62(6):591-9. PMID: 22314561.
Vasunilashorn S, Cohen AA. Stress responsive biochemical anabolic/catabolic ratio and telomere length in older adults. Biodemography Soc Biol. 2014;60(2):174-84. doi: 10.1080/19485565.2014.950722. PMID: 25343365; PMCID: PMC4347836.