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- The Cortisol-Calming Guide: 4 Simple De-stressing Rituals
The Cortisol-Calming Guide: 4 Simple De-stressing Rituals
Read this to find your calm anytime, anywhere.
Sol TV
July 23, 2024
Stress is an inevitable companion in the whirlwind of daily living—whether you're working tirelessly, raising a family, or simply navigating life's ups and downs. Eliminating stress entirely is an unrealistic goal. Instead, strive to master ways to minimize it, and embrace moments of recovery.
Why is this so important? Because when your body is trapped in a prolonged response to stress, it may never return to balance.
The High Alert Trap
When stress keeps people on “high alert” for extended periods, they adapt. You might think you're coping, but subtle signs tell a different story. Pay attention to these indicators:
Mood swings: frequent irritation, anger, and heightened frustration levels
Sleep disruptions: difficulty falling or staying asleep
Energy depletion: feeling constantly drained
Motivation and focus issues: needing help to stay motivated or concentrate effectively
The Burnout Breakdown
Prolonged stress eventually leads to exhaustion or burnout, eroding our coping mechanisms. You may find yourself stressed more easily or unable to cope with any stress at all. This hazardous state leads to more significant mood, emotional, and behavioral upheavals.
High-stress levels—or even constant low-level stress—can wreak havoc on our health over the long term. An astonishing but true stat: Up to 90% of illnesses and diseases have stress-related origins.
The Solution: Ground, Breathe, and Reset
Inserting brief moments into your day to ground yourself, breathe deeply, and reset can be transformative. By actively managing stress and prioritizing your mental health, you pave the path to happier, more productive days.
4 Transformative Techniques to Crush Stress and Own Your Day
1) Embrace Chaos
Forget the old-school "Relaaaax" mantra and try embracing chaos. Deliberately seek out noisy, bustling environments like busy cafes or train stations. Close your eyes and focus on individual sounds, accepting everything happening around you. Doing that trains your mind to find calm amid chaos, making everyday stressors feel like a breeze.
2) Ditch the "Fake Energy" Fix
Coffee and sugar are like that friend who's always up for a good time but leaves you feeling drained. They're not your allies in the stress battle. Instead, think of your body as a high-performance machine that needs premium fuel.
- Upgrade Your Intake: Swap sugary drinks for herbal teas, green smoothies, or plain water with a squeeze of lemon. Snack on nuts, seeds, and fruits to keep your energy steady and your mood lifted.
- The Power of "No": Learn to say no to things that drain your energy. Protect your time and focus on what truly matters.
3) Unleash Your Inner Child
Remember when you were younger and stress probably wasn't even in your vocabulary? Channel that carefree spirit with "play therapy." Hit up a trampoline park, ride a bike, or grab some sidewalk chalk and create a masterpiece. These childlike activities trigger a flow state, melting away stress and rekindling your sense of joy and wonder. Other ideas: Stretch like a cat at sunrise, do a warrior dance in your living room, or try primal movement exercises that reconnect you with your body's ancient rhythms.
4) Hack Your Circadian Rhythm
Revolutionize your sleep by syncing with nature. For a slightly intense option, try "dark room therapy," which requires spending a weekend blocking out all blue light (no screens!) and staying in darkness to reset your circadian rhythm. Alternatively, practice "sun gazing" (safely, at sunrise or sunset) to align your body with natural light cycles. Swap out harsh lighting for the gentle glow of salt lamps, use a white noise machine to emulate the sound of rain or forest ambiance, and indulge in a pre-sleep potion of warm, golden milk infused with turmeric and honey.
Ready to take the next step toward a less stressed, more joyful life?
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