Adrenal fatigue seems to be rising dramatically within our busy, success focused society and I often see clients who are dragging themselves through life feeling totally exhausted and depleted of all joy. Adrenal fatigue is the number one underlying issue in most health conditions. According to Dr. James L. Wilson, DC, PhD, ND, author of Adrenal Fatigue, The 21st Century Stress Syndrome, he estimates that at least 80% of American adults, who have very similar lifestyles to us aussies have suffered from or will suffer from adrenal fatigue.
From an energetic perspective our minds and bodies need rest and time to recuperate after periods of high energy exertion or stress. Unfortunately as our world continues to run even faster, the pressures and expectations we place on ourselves increase and rest and self care are classed as luxuries, our bodies and energy systems are taking a beating.
Adrenal fatigue happens when the adrenal glands wear out due to continual production of the stress hormone cortisol affecting the thyroid gland and thus creating many other hormone imbalances. Consumed by this chronic or prolonged stress within our lives our bodies natural coping mechanisms e.g. our fight or flight are forced to run on constant overdrive which lead to a malfunction and can also lead to adrenal fatigue.
As a self proclaimed stress-a-holic in my previous life within the world of investment banking, and still even now sometimes as a business owner, I finally have my own methods of keeping my stress levels down and through self awareness understand my own symptoms of fatigue. Now when they arrive I am able to remind myself of the need to slow down, to meditate, to honour my body, to take time out for me and to reignite my joy.
How do you know if you are suffering from adrenal fatigue? Common signs I often see in clients include:
- Nervousness
- Tiredness, exhaustion and low energy levels
- Anxiety
- Sleep disturbance
- Strong cravings for sugar, fats or salts
- Dizzy or light headed after standing
- Mood swings
- Frequent illnesses
- Mental fogginess and memory issues
- Low or high blood pressure
- Fluctuations to your body temperature
As well as chronic daily stress other impacts on your adrenals can include:
- Unresolved and constant anger, fear, worry, guilt or any other emotional challenges related to survival or security
- Skipping meals
- Inadequate protein
- Too much sugar or junk food
- Insufficient sleep and relaxation
- Prolonged infection
- Trauma
- Chronic pain
- Severe allergies
- Ongoing toxicity within the body
Within Energy Medicine our adrenal glands relate directly to our Base Chakra energy which to stay in balance requires grounding, taking responsibility for our health, wellbeing and choices, facing subconscious fears, anxiety and other emotional imbalances effectively when they arise and feeling supported and secure within our lives. Simple ways to support this balance within your body are getting outside with your feet on the earth, enjoying sunlight and by giving your mind and body time to slow down and relax through yoga, deep breathing and meditation. No, unfortunately this doesn’t include sitting on the couch watching TV as this continues to stimulate our senses.
At The Codega Group we know that pointing out the problem doesn’t really bring about change and so we also love to give you solutions, so if you feel like your adrenals might need a little loving or you feel ready to get you started on your journey of balancing the mind and body we have created a short 15min meditation to bring you back into balance. And you will find this by clicking here
Visit The Codega Group at the Northern Beaches Business, Health and wellbeing expo on Wednesday 18th September at Dee Why RSL, on from 2pm – 7pm. Visit the website for more details.
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