Are you feeling burnt out or at your limit? We are hitting the part of the year where you might start to feel overwhelmed or fatigued. Yet, on the other hand, in many parts of the world we are also entering the period of sunshine and warmth we have been longing for. This juxtaposition can make it challenging to understand one’s emotions.
Raised levels of anxiety, sadness, and stress can impact your digestive process, your energy levels, and your ability to handle your emotions. Not to worry, we are here to help you enter these sunnier months with a smile on your face and the weight lifted off your shoulders.
How Anxiousness and Stress Impacts Your Digestion
Do you know the saying,”It feels like there is a knot in my stomach”? This feeling, also known as stomach queasiness, can feel quite uncomfortable. Oftentimes, this is caused by anxiety or feeling worried.
We have the central nervous system to thank for the connection between the gut and the brain. The enteric nervous system is a sector of the broader nervous system and is known to harness this connection. When we are experiencing stress or anxiety, our bodies trigger a response through this connection.
These adverse emotions can cause our intestines to contract and change the way in which our body is processing the foods we consume. When experienced for prolonged periods of time, stress and anxiety can actually lead to poor choices in the foods one consumes. You are more likely to reach for unhealthy processed foods in those moments of need. Becoming dependent on beverages such as coffee to stave off the stress can lead to even more digestive and mental health complications. Overconsumption of caffeine can cause irritability that will only further exacerbate the issues you are already experiencing.
While the stress will eventually die down, the repercussions on your digestive process might be more lasting. This is due to the effect it has on your nervous system. Staying in a prolonged state of stress or anxiety can cause your body to trigger its fight or flight mode and freeze all other responsibilities – including digestion.
Stress can also impact the health of the bacteria in your gut. Beneficial bacteria and staving off the harmful bacteria is essential to having a thriving digestive system. While a probiotic supplement can help you to keep the harmful bacteria away, it must go hand in hand with proper stress management.
The Power of Hobbies and How They Can Help You Feel Mentally Strong
Newsflash, hobbies are not just for kids and can actually be the secret ingredient to living a happy and healthy life. A hobby is defined as an activity that someone does regularly in their free time that brings them pleasure. However, in this day and age, it seems as if many adults are forgetting about the power of hobbies. With the hustle and bustle of maintaining one’s career and all the other household chores that take up the day, it can feel impossible to find time for yourself. And yet, it might just be the key we all need to wake up feeling refreshed and how we take our stress and anxiety away.
Here are some spring and summer friendly hobbies to consider trying out!
- Painting - While painting can surely be a year-around hobby, the spring and summer months offer us beautiful landscapes filled with color and dimension that can offer you a solace on those extra hard days. Painting offers physical and mental exertion in a way that is relaxing and inspiring. It can be a great way to express your emotions as well – especially for those who tend to struggle with the written word.
- Bike riding - Bike riding is something many of us learned as a young child, but did anyone truly stick with it? Dusting off those wheels and getting your hair blowing through the wind might be just what you need to shake off those winter blues. Bike riding is unique in that it can also act as your form of physical exercise for the day which offers its own stress-relieving benefits on its own.
- Fishing or boating - Do you live near a body of water? Getting out onto the water and simply allowing yourself to become immersed in the environment around you can be a great way to relieve stress. Nature allows us to reconnect with our true selves and breathe in that fresh air we love so much. Consider spending more time outdoors these coming weeks and take note of how your mood changes.
The Supplement You Need To Wake Up Feeling Refreshed and Ready to Take On The Day
One of the biggest culprits of stress is sleep deprivation. When someone is stressed or anxious, odds are they are in fight or flight mode, making it challenging for them to get a good night of sleep. Luckily, there are ways to help relax your body and mind before bed.
- Our gut health enzyme supplement called Sexy & Slim contains anti-inflammatory properties and relaxing properties that work to prepare your body for a good night’s sleep. You can take this supplement in the evenings knowing you will wake up with a clear mind and a strong digestive system.
- Removing your phone and other distractions from your bedtime routine is crucial. Our phones are wonderful tools to communicate with, but can also become toxic when it comes to doom scrolling and constantly checking for work messages. Set that boundary for yourself and remove it from your space.
- A messy room leads to a messy mind. When someone feels overwhelmed, oftentimes their environment is the first thing to fall to the wayside. Cleaning your living spaces will make you feel one hundred times better.
- Practicing gratitude for the day you just experienced can be a helpful shift in mindset. Sometimes, our thoughts feel stronger than us, but if we just work to bring positivity back to the forefront, we can minimize the power our negative thoughts have over us.