If this sounds like you, it is pretty safe for me to say that you likely have some level of adrenal fatigue simmering below the surface, and high cortisol levels (or stress hormone) are the culprit. So many things that go sideways in our body and mind are related to STRESS!
Research suggests that 98% of doctor visits and medical interventions performed are related illnesses and symptoms caused by out-of-control and chronic stress levels.
For more about this read How I healed Adrenal Fatigue
Today I am going to talk about that afternoon- usually 3:00 p.m- energy crash. The energy crash that typically happens at this time is a signal that the adrenal glands are not doing their job. This is when most people will instinctively reach for a double- double latte or soda, sugary snacks and carbs in the form of white flour to get a boost, and crave it as is their life depended on it. This used to be me! I am a recovering sugar addict and would habitually reach for a dose of sugar, usually dark chocolate or cookies (with chocolate in them) and maybe an iced coffee in the afternoon to give myself a 'boost' I would literally feel out of my mind until I had my 'hit' of sugar! I knew this was definitely not a good thing, but it was what worked (so I thought) to get me through.This hit of artificial stimulants works for a very short while providing a little 'high' but soon after will be followed by yet, another blood-sugar crash. The cycle can continue like this unless we do something to break it. Instead of reaching for a sugar, and caffeine hit, I encourage you to try adding these to your regime for a whole week and just see how much better you feel! Remember: It's all about making small, sustainable changes, slowly- not all at once. :)
*A note on Vitamin C: This vitamin is super-healing for the adrenal glands. You can easily research this yourself online about the benefits, so no need to go into great depth in this blog. Here is a good article to get you started. Vitamin C benefits
The best thing to do is to take Vit C to bowel tolerance to determine how much your body needs. Start with taking 1,000mg ( I take Ascorbic Acid with Bioflavanoids) with breakfast, your 3 pm snack and dinner. You can not overdose and it is not harmful to take more than you need- the worst you will experience when you reach your tolerance level is loose bowel movements, and if that happens scale the dosage back until this subsides.
Option 1: If you are at home and able to whip up a smoothie, this is a fantastic way to boost energy and help with fatigue.
This is one of my favorite super-food recipes using natural sources from whole foods to give you sustainable,real energy to carry you through until dinner time.
Supplementation
Take with a good quality Vitamin C- 1000mg. at 3pm.
Energy Boosting Smoothie:
1/2 cup lite canned coconut milk
1/2 cup water or coconut water
1/4 dropper of Stevia (Sweet Leaf brand is the one I prefer as it does not contain alcohol or glycerine)
1 Tbs hemp hearts
1 tsp maca root powder (available at health food stores)
1 Tbs cacao powder
1/4-1/2 tsp of a high quality greens powder
1/2 cup frozen blueberries
1/2 cup frozen strawberries
few ice cubes
Blend in high speed blender- and enjoy!
(good quality protein powder-optional)
Option 2: If a smoothie is not an option for you, it is really important to make sure to have a good quality snack around 3 pm that consists of some protein. Do not allow your body to run on your lunch all the way until dinner! This really stresses the body out. When blood sugar drops, cortisol rises. Not what we are going for here.
Raw nuts with fresh fruit are a great portable option combined with my alkalizing lemonade-green tea.
You can make this drink at home and bring with you to work in a mason jar. Pop it in the fridge and have it with your afternoon power snack. Green tea has so many health benefits, and loads of antioxidants, and only small amount of caffeine. Green tea is not as hard on the adrenal glands as coffee or black tea, and is a way better option than reaching for a can of soda. And trust me, this is really good!
Lemonade-Green Tea Refresher:
Make ahead: Brew 4 organic Green tea bags in 4 cups of boiling water. Once it is steeped (about 10 mins), transfer to a large mason jar or other glass pitcher (topped with more water if it is too strong). Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
If you are heading out for the day, simply fill a mason jar with: the juice of 1 lemon, 1/4-1/2 dropper of liquid stevia (or to taste) top with chilled green tea and you are set!
*Tip: This recipe is also really good topped with sparkling mineral water if you like a fizzy drink. Leave the tea strong if you go for this option unless you like a really watery lightly flavored version.
These are some simple ways to nourish your body to keep you going for the rest of the afternoon, however it is also a really great time to take a 10 minute relaxation break. Stop whatever you are doing, and just breath deeply with your eyes closed and intentionally relax your mind and body. Stretch if you are able to do so. This practice of nourishing your body along with your mind will have a powerful effect on how you feel. I find that the days when life is busy and I skip my 3:00 power snack, or grab something on the run that is not the best choice, it has a really big impact on how I feel Try adding these tips to your afternoon routine, and let me know how this works for you! Drop me an email with any questions you have.
For more information on healing your adrenals, improving depression, anxiety and fatigue join me for my upcoming seminar Getting Beyond Burnout
Work with me
I assist you with healing from the inside out through treating the root cause of your
health issues ~ mind, body heart and soul.
www.leanneoaten.com
250-319-3630
Leanne Oaten
Registered Holistic Counsellor R.P.C
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