This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Stressballs at Walmart. This post has been compensated by P&G and its advertiser. The opinions and text are all mine.
A couple of years ago, in the height of my work travels, I found myself completely tapped out. I was tired, always stressed and just simply did not feel like myself. I made the decision to get my hormones checked and much to my surprise ended up with elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Along with those elevated levels of cortisol came acute adrenal fatigue. With a couple months of treatment with only herbs, acupuncture, nutrition and consistent exercise I ended up feeling like a new woman. Full of energy and life! It was glorious.
Fast forward a couple of years to when we had CJ. We had to move across the country with a 4-month old baby. At the height of his 4-month sleep regression, I found myself in a similar place: anxiety ridden, trouble tackling even the shortest to-do list, foggy and tired, just SO VERY TIRED. Over the past few months, I have really worked hard to level out my cortisol levels and get back to my happy, energized self.
Cortisol is your main stress hormone that helps regulate mood, motivation and fear. You know, fight or flight. If your Cortisol levels are elevated for extended periods of time you may “hit a wall” or feel a myriad of symptoms including: anxiety and depression, headaches, heart disease, digestive issues, trouble sleeping or weight gain. For example, when your body goes into high-alert or “fight mode”, cortisol increases and may shut off importance processes like digestion, reproduction or even decrease your immune system. This is why in times of stress, you may come down with a cold.
With that said, there are a variety of lifestyle shifts that you can make to better handle stress. As a working mom, I have had to work my way through this first year and make a handful of changes in order to survive.
Take Time For Yourself
I use 20 minutes a day to practice a morning ritual and find a moment to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea in peace. The laundry may not be done, the dishes may not be put away, but I simply give myself that time to BE. It has helped tremendously. Since becoming a mom, I feel like I give myself to everyone else and these tiny moments where I take time for myself have helped me heal. It does not happen every day, but it gives me a few moments to sit and reset for the rest of the day.
Make Movement a Priority
We all know the health benefits of exercise and I truly believe movement, whether it is an hour of Yoga or a twenty-minute jog, has an effect on our mood and ability to handle stress. Sometimes, all it takes is throwing on some music and dancing around the house for ten minutes to get the blood flowing and press reset.
Choose Whole Foods
Your gut is the “powerhouse” of your body and the place where serotonin AKA your “feel good hormone” is produced. When serotonin levels are disrupted this can lead to low mood, depression and anxiety. Choose balancing foods like fruits, dark leafy greens, whole grains and probiotic rich foods.
Supplement When Necessary
I found Stressballs Day and Night on Walmart.com to help me deal with stress and anxiety that comes with being a working mom. Stressballs are naturally flavored, delicious gummies that help you enjoy life’s little moments. They have been helping to keep me centered, so I can handle life’s daily stressors like deadlines and diaper changes.
Stressballs Day helps me feel energized yet calm and contains Ashwagandha, Ginseng and Lemon Balm to give me a drug-free* and non-habit forming pep in my step first thing in the morning. I have 100% noticed an increase in my productivity and a decrease in brain fog.
Stressballs Night contains Ashwagandha, chamomile, lemon balm, and lavender for relaxation and calm*. I am actually extremely sensitive to anything nighttime related, especially nighttime teas; however, Stressballs Night simply makes me feel at peace and helps me shut off my overwhelming “to-do” list. It calms my nerves and helps me de-stress from the day.
Click here to learn more and to purchase Stressballs.
*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.