Coffee Isn't Always the Answer
I speak about this with clients all the time.
Just because our generation has accepted the idea that the only way through, is to push, doesn’t mean it’s working.
When we are stressed, we tend to load up on “inputs” (dopamine-inducing foods, media, and stimulants) that keep us feeling good, at that moment, but later lead to a crash, or unwanted emotions of shame, blame, guilt, or dis-ease.
We’re programmed, that when we feel stressed, we turn to something that will immediately kick us out of that unwanted experience, but not actually cater to the issue itself.
It’s like jumping out of a moving car, every time you want to get out of it, without learning to use the breaks.
Here’s something interesting, the signals we’re receiving, the headache, IBS, rosacea, anxiety, depression, sleep apnea, night terrors, clenched jaw, or any other issue you may be experiencing, are coming directly from the complex systems of the human body.
These systems work together, to ensure optimal health, and when something is wrong, it sends signals like the ones listed above. **These messages are NOT signals for you to get another stress-inducing latte.
They are often a message from the nervous system, saying, “Woah, slow up for a moment. WE need to change something.”
Change doesn’t have to be a bad word.
Change can look l like adapting a habit for a week, and seeing how you feel.
It means saying no to something you love for a short time, so you can notice what’s on the other side of your chronic discomfort.
It means allowing yourself to outgrow old mindsets and patterns and choosing healthy ones instead.
If we decide to never “change” and to keep pumping our body with anxiety-provoking substances (this includes the news, social media, common stressors of urban living, etc), natural changes will occur within us; our moods, our sex drives, our behavior, our relationships, our sleep… and not necessarily for the better.
The next time you are feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed, learn to listen to the signals of your nervous system. Choose something (or many things) to layer on your overwhelm and watch it slowly melt away.
Here are some ways I recommend to nurture your nervous system.
Calm relaxing music on Spotify
A warm bath, with some sort of aroma therapy, or bath salt
Sitting in nature, and watching the natural world occur
Paying attention to your breath, deepening it, as your lungs soften
Cozy clothes, and a weighted blanket
There might be pain involved, maybe frustration, or there might even be a severe breakdown in the system. That’s ok. Remember, the car engine light can only be blinking for so long until it completely shuts down. Take yourself to the shop, and enjoy some deep rest. It will make you more productive, happier, healthier, and whole. You deserve that.
*If this article hasn’t convinced you to take a break, at least take a decaf. Your body with thank you, and so will the future best version of you.
With joy and abundance,
EDEN