Adaptogens: should we adapt to stress?

Stress less over stress.

Yes, this is a bit different than the usual advice to destress, avoid situations that give you anxiety, and escape to an ashram in Bali. Actually, researchers are now showing that the right kind of stress—in the right amounts— can actually be great for your memory, spur your creativity, and enhance your performance. This is great news considering the fact that life is STRESSFUL AF.

The “meh” part? Our attitude toward stress, which is actually more detrimental to our well-being than stress itself. So experts are telling us to embrace the crazy, keep calm, and carry on. Have you seen psychologist Kelly McGonigal TED talk? https://www.ted.com/talks/kelly_mcgonigal_how_to_make_stress_your_friend?language=en

In this TED Talk, she urges us to see stress as a positive.

Easier said than done, right?

What happens when we stress over stress? Our body enters a state of chronic stress, and because our bodies aren't designed for this prolonged hyperarousal, we can face negative health effects (both physical and emotional) if we sustain this state of being for an extended period of time.

Chronic Stress + Adaptogens

Chronic stress can throw off the delicate dance between your brain and hormone system, or the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis). It’s usually when you start to feel energetically drained, digestive issues, zero sex-drive, more susceptible to illness, and generally “MEH” feelings. This is where the equilibrating power of adaptogens comes in to play… while a doctor might prescribe you adderall, viagra ( Is there a female equivalent even?), anti-depressants, etc. to treat these symptoms, adaptogens actually work on the core imbalance. They are tonic herbs that optimize our stress response and restore homeostasis to the HPA axis (stress response system we talked about a few sentences ago :) ) they have a protective effect when it comes to bouncing back from stress and promoting adrenal health. The magic of adaptogens is that they can sense what your body needs when faced with a stressor and help balance your endocrine system and hormone levels in response. These botanical extracts can become an enjoyable ritual when you infuse your coffee, smoothies, oatmeal or tea with them*. The best part? you have the power to heal

Y O U R S E L F. H O L I S T I C A L L Y. You are your own healer, your body is your guide, and your heart is your guru.

*be sure to check out our shop for adaptogenic blends to chill out about chilling out.