Listen to Your Body: Recognizing the Signs It's Time to Slow Down

Storytime. about 2 years ago my energy began to decline deeply, it was awful.

I lead a 70/30 lifestyle of healthy eating. I exercise, meditate, sauna, and do many self-care practices. I am researched in how to live long & healthy! Why would my energy feel so depleted? I went to my primary care dr., picked holistic Dr. friends' brains and the evidence kept pointing to my stress levels. Now I can't change the circumstances of my life, special needs/ neurodivergent kids, and my neurodivergence that requires extra care, so how in the world do I fit anything more into my life to regulate my stress...

I was really struggling, I could NOT get enough rest/get out of bed after I got my kids to school. I had no creative energy ({this was devastating}) no natural drive to plan a thing. Most would diagnose this as depression, and though that was at play, this was different than the depression I have known since my teen years. My ADHD brain had to find the answers, research, research, research, and they took time to find and today, I am almost back to myself minus the pesky perimenopause reality (more on this later, current deep dive in research). I now know that I had hit BURN OUT, between my day-to-day life, career change, sleep disturbances, and neurodivergence my body was no longer capable of the pace I was living at, even though I was doing most of the good things.

It all began with a hormone level check, I was getting b12 shots and the clinic offered hormone panels. All that it showed was High Cortisol, our stress hormone. Little did I know that Cortisol is the key to so many realities in our lives. High Cortisol causes symptoms like brain fog, fatigue, lack of appetite, visceral fat growth, low libido, INFLAMMATION and mood changes (not great for those who love me) a lot like Jekyll & Hyde (wink*).

I started slow, because when we have no energy it's hard to start at all. I implemented a somatic exercise program to relieve stress, I learned about the Vagus nerve, regulating our nervous system, and why that matters. I did lots of resting, new supplements, and more art. Slowly I got back to yoga, walking, keeping on top of our house, and a little more energy.

Here's some of the truths I learned about Stress, Burnout, and Cortisol. How does high cortisol impact our hormones, weight gain, and energy levels? Well, when cortisol levels are constantly elevated due to chronic stress, it can throw our hormonal balance out of whack. This imbalance can lead to anxiety, depression, and weight gain, and can also zap our energy levels, making us feel tired and sluggish all the time. Cortisol when balanced will boost our metabolism and anti-inflammatory response. The opposite happens when we are in high cortisol levels.

But fear not, there are natural ways to heal high cortisol levels and get back on track. First and foremost, it's important to find ways to manage your stress levels. Whether it's through meditation, yoga, spending time in nature, or indulging in your favorite hobbies, finding ways to relax and unwind is crucial for bringing those cortisol levels back down to a healthier range.

In addition to stress management, there are also some fantastic diet changes (like waaaaay more protein, shoot or 80-100 grams or more a day). Supplements that can help support your body in naturally reducing cortisol levels are so accessible & affordable. Adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha, rhodiola and nootropics have been shown to help the body adapt to stress and lower cortisol levels. Magnesium is another great supplement that can help relax your muscles and calm your nervous system, which in turn can help lower cortisol levels. I love my magnesium, it changed my restless sleep in just days.

So, if you're feeling the effects of high cortisol, don't worry, you're not alone. By taking steps to manage your stress, incorporating some natural diet supports & supplements, and giving yourself some much-needed self-care, you can start to rebalance your hormones, shed that stubborn weight, and reclaim your energy levels. ( I am here anytime, with links and lots of favorite tips)

I am grateful to say I am on the healing journey and feeling much more like myself again,

Thanks for leaning into my journey, tell me if you are feeling these symptoms in your life?

Best Always,

Meg