When we are stressed our adrenals flood our body with hormones responding to stimulus. These stimuli can be work, home, or the mounting, self-perpetuated anxiety of racing thoughts and to do lists.
Whatever it is for you, going GREEN is key to keeping balance; mentally and physiologically.
Read my previous journal on the Stress effect to learn more about adrenal fatigue.
Suffering any of the following?
· Brain fog, memory problems, racing mind
· Tiredness, weakness, lethargy
· Weakened immunity- Inability to heal, illness which leads to leaky gut/inflammation
· Poor sleep – finding it hard to get up in the morning even after 8+ hours sleep
· Cravings for salty or sweet foods, high carb or stimulants
· Emotionally reactive, anxiety, depression
· Skin conditions; eczema, dandruff, psoriasis
Book an appointment with your Naturopath or GP for blood tests and accurate diagnosis.
*Dr Google is not a register physician*
Not only can chronic stress expose us to adrenal fatigue and the plethora of diseases that accompany it, research has shown that stress is a leading cause of Atherosclerosis, the hardening and thickening of artery walls, restricting blood flow. Atherosclerosis is prelude to heart attacks, stroke and peripheral vascular diseases.
Finding ways to reduce stress and anxiety is crucial to not only our longevity but our happiness. Identifying our triggers is the first step to working through to a solution that works or you.
For me, when I am feeling anxious, stressed or surging with irrational hormones, I turn to the colour green. Jade gemstone. Green vegetables; broccoli, beans, peas and salad. Nature walks in the bush or simple lying on the grass and reading a book.
In colour psychology, green represents calm, tranquility, health and is believed to relieve stress and assist in healing. Green is the colour of Nature and the visual connection we have is deep rooted in our primal DNA. Where there is green, there is water, life and our survival.
Green fruit and vegetables offer a plethora of nutrients to support our holistic health. ‘Green’s’ are associated with clean eating due to remaining in their most natural state. Processed and sugary foods have little nutritional value and create an inflammatory response in our bodies.
Enjoying a green smoothie bowl (recipe below) will boost mood, metabolism and reduce anxiety.
Green Smoothie Bowl
Serves 2
Ingredients
2 banana’s – frozen
2 kiwi fruit – frozen
1cup kale
1 cup spinach
1 cup coconut milk
1/2 cup cloudy apple juice ( or fresh cold pressed juice)
Squeeze of lemon
Topping
1 fresh kiwi, sliced
½ banana sliced
1 granny smith apple, thinly sliced
2 tbsp. toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
1 tbsp. toasted coconut flakes
Sprig of mint
Method
Blend frozen banana’s and kiwi fruit, kale, spinach, coconut milk and apple juice and blend until smooth consistency
Pour into 2 bowls top with sliced fruit, coconut flakes, pepita’s and mint.
Enjoy!
As I wrap up this journal post, I am smashing a bowl of left over peas and broccoli (yep, greens for the win!) and about to head out for a long walk in the Coolart Wetlands…
GREEN for the win over my own self perpetuated anxiety today!
Amanda
