Are you currently feeling overwhelmed by the demands of life?
Do you find yourself wrestling with stress regularly, perhaps even on a daily basis? Right now, in my perspective, being a mum is an absolute joy. It’s something I treasure deeply and wouldn’t trade for anything in the world.
Yet, this time of the year, with school holidays in full swing and the hustle and bustle of the approaching holiday season, stress tends to creep in more easily.
Today, I’m excited to share some valuable tips on how to regain control over stress, soothe your stress response, and return to a state of relaxation, focus, and composure.
Navigating motherhood in today’s world can undoubtedly be a demanding and sometimes overwhelming experience, often making you feel like you’re constantly playing catch-up. It’s vital that we address this head-on and gain some perspective on how to manage stress effectively.
This is crucial because heightened or persistent stress can significantly affect your overall well-being. It can take a toll on your emotional state, resulting in mood swings, irritability, headaches, and persistent fatigue. You may even find yourself gaining weight without understanding why.
Chronic stress can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to allergies, colds, and the flu. It can disrupt your sleep patterns, leaving you tired and irritable. It can also manifest physically, leaving your muscles tense and your body feeling tight.
The good news is that there are things that you can do to regain control over your stress:
Mindful Breathing
If you find yourself rushing or feeling overwhelmed, take just two minutes. Step away from your desk or the hustle and bustle of daily life. Grab a glass of water and let yourself take a few deep, soothing breaths. Perhaps find a quiet moment in the bathroom or any space away from work or family. The beauty of this technique is that it’s so quick and easy that you can integrate it into your day whenever you need a moment of calm.
Aromatherapy
This technique is somewhat underappreciated despite its remarkable effectiveness. Essential oils carry scents that directly impact the limbic brain, the centre of emotions and memories. By using essential oils like lavender, chamomile, or rosemary, you can transport yourself to a place of relaxation and calm.
Consider using a diffuser to fill your space with these delightful scents, or create your own essential oil rollerball perfume. A quick whiff of these soothing scents can work wonders in maintaining your sense of calm and reducing stress.
The power of laughter
They say laughter is the best medicine, and there’s a good reason for that. When you’re genuinely laughing, stress doesn’t stand a chance. Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, those delightful chemicals that are essentially stress’s polar opposite.
So, during school holidays, why not take your children to a comedy movie or join them in hearty laughter during playtime? Kids seem to have mastered the art of laughter, so follow their lead and incorporate more laughter into your daily life. Join in their antics, play games, visit the park, or create playful moments at home to enjoy those laughter-induced endorphins, instantly reducing stress and boosting your joy.
Natural herbal medicine
For thousands of years, herbs have played a vital role in supporting our health. Herbs offer a natural and effective means to help manage your stress response.
It’s no surprise that traditional herbs such as Ashwagandha, Holy Basil, Rhodiola, Passionflower, Zizyphus, and Magnolia, among others, have earned their reputation for supporting the nervous system, calming the stress response and restoring balance to our bodies.
Some of these herbs are known as adaptogens, and they specialise in helping our bodies adapt to the challenges of a stressful world.
Modern mums like us have a lot on our plates, from juggling kids’ schedules (even during school holidays) to managing chores, work, and relationships. This whirlwind of responsibilities can easily lead to overwhelming stress.
Different herbs serve different purposes, so professional advice ensures you’re using the right ones. If you’re feeling the weight of this overwhelm, seeking expert guidance on herbal remedies tailored to your needs is a smart move.
Hypnotherapy and meditation
These two therapies can work wonders in reducing stress, helping you regain control, and fostering a sense of calm and relaxation in your daily life.
Hypnotherapy, in particular, is renowned for its ability to reprogram the subconscious processes that trigger stress responses when certain situations arise. It’s a powerful tool for creating lasting change in how you react to stressors. I’d be delighted to assist you if you’re interested in exploring these therapies and how they can benefit you.
Many of my clients have found great relief from stress and improved long-term stress management through the use of hypnotherapy and meditation.
Remember…
I want to emphasise that stress doesn’t have to be a constant presence in your life. You can be a supermum, thriving in a busy world, without feeling overwhelmed or stressed.
Numerous techniques and natural remedies are available to support you on this journey. Remember, you possess incredible resilience and strength within you, which you can tap into to navigate these challenges. You can regain control over stress and your overall well-being by embracing the natural solutions and techniques I’ve discussed today.
If you’re seeking support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. Send me a message or get in touch, and I’ll be here to assist you on your health journey, helping you reduce stress.
Together, we can all lead fulfilling lives as thriving mums, enjoying tranquillity and relaxation rather than stress.
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This is how gut microbes can influence weight!
Probiotics can help you gain weight or lose weight by interacting with our genetics, food and metabolism.
And yes, I did say lose or gain weight……..
Firstly, let me explain that the trillions of microbes in the gut need to be varied, meaning that there should be a large variety of species. There are many different species (or breeds) of microbes, and they all have their place in aiding health — the more variety and balance, the better health results.
Back to the weight loss or weight gain issue….
Do you eat yogurt and berries for breakfast? Thinking that it’s helping you lose weight?
Well, Lactobacillus acidophilus (like the species found in yoghurt) has been connected to weight gain.
I am not saying throw your yoghurt and berries in the bin. Instead, I am suggesting looking at the overall picture. If Lactobacillus acidophilus is the predominant micro-organism of the gut, then weight gain can result.
It is about the variety of species of gut microbes. Imagine if we only have trained german shepherd guard dogs in the world. It may be a safe world, but I am sure that other breeds may be more suitable as a family pet.
While Lactobacillus acidophilus is associated with weight gain, other Lactobacillus species correlate with weight loss.
Species like Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus gasseri, and Bifidobacteria animalis have been found to support weight loss.
Want to lose weight?
Look at your gut flora to support your goal.
Tests can be performed to identify the predominant species of the gut, and specific species can be utilised to support weight changes.
Want more information about your gut health?
Or want to look at all the factors contributing to weight gain, I’d love to be able to help.
