wellness hacks to process stress

SLEEP

Cells do important repair work during sleep and breaks by regulating hormones, facilitating tissue regeneration, enhancing the immune system, consolidating brain memories, and detoxifying the body. Many chronic illnesses are linked to sleep loss, so it is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being. 

Reduced stress hormone levels: Getting enough sleep helps regulate cortisol levels, reducing stress. 

Improved mood and emotional regulation: Sleep allows the brain to process and cope with emotions, leading to better mood and reduced stress. 

Enhanced cognitive function: Sleep is essential for cognitive function, including problem-solving and decision-making, which can help individuals better manage stress. 

During productivity, the body builds up bi-products causing stress and fatigue. This is when you reach for that sugary snack or caffeine and start the cycle of negative feedback.

Wellness Hack:

Take a break every 90 minutes during productive activity like school or work.

  • Deep Breathing

  • walking (even better in nature)

  • immerse yourself in nature

  • have a pleasant interaction

Develop a bedtime routine:

  • Have a regular sleep schedule

  • Start a routine that will eventually indicate to your body it’s time to sleep

  • no screens or news an hour before you want to be asleep

  • no lights on in the sleeping space

Stress Cycle

Stress triggers the release of cortisol, a hormone that can interfere with sleep by making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. Cortisol can also trigger anxiety and suppress the immune response in order to try and reduce inflammation. This hormone can also promote fat storage, usually in the belly area.

The stress cycle MUST be completed in order to prevent the merry-go-round of chronic stress from occurring. As you can see in the chart on the left, there are 7 different ways to do this.

Wellness Hack:

  • Move your body! The important thing, is to find a moderate movement about 30 minutes a day you enjoy that leaves you feeling energized.

  • Get outside: Immerse yourself in nature for 20 mins a day. Bonus points for walking barefoot in the grass, beach, or wherever you find yourself.

  • Connect with friends or acts of kindness: have a positive connection with a friend or try a random act of kindness. Acts of kindness reduce stress by releasing "feel-good" hormones like oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins, which improve mood and lower stress hormones like cortisol.

  • boost your spirit by connecting to a greater purpose: building resilience, which allows for a more optimistic and less reactive response to challenges.

  • Get Creative: art, journaling, gratitude affirmations

eat the rainbow

Take a minute to write an introduction that is short, sweet, and to the point. If you sell something, use this space to describe it in detail and tell us why we should make a purchase. Tap into your creativity. You’ve got this.