Are you ‘dog-tired’??

School is back in session which gives parents a little time to themselves. However, soccer, dance, football, baseball, fall fairs, festivals and a hundred other things are also now in full swing. Are you really wondering why you’re worn out?

Life’s stresses aren’t all bad. Attending your child’s sporting event, meeting up with other parents and even having date-night with your spouse are all wonderful things to have on your to-do list. Physiologically, though, your body doesn’t know the difference between good and bad stress. It’s all just stress and it will wear out your adrenal glands, making you more tired.

Here are some things you can do to support your adrenals and give yourself a little energy boost.

  1. First the obvious – get enough sleep, exercise, eat your vegetables, avoid too much sugar and drink a lot of water.
  2. Avoid using caffeine as a “pick-me-up” – Caffeine will definitely give you a boost of energy, but it does so by draining extra energy from those adrenals that are already tired. If you really need something, consider using Green Tea. It has a little caffeine for the energy boost, but also some great nutritive and anti-oxidant support to help your entire system.
  3. Eat salt if you’re craving it – The Potassium and minerals in a really good Himalayan salt will actually give your body and your adrenals the nutrients it needs. Don’t do this if you’ve been told by a doctor to avoid salt (although I have to admit I might question that).
  4. Use Herbal Combinations – There are too many herbs that are helpful to support your adrenals to list here, but here are a few:
    1. Elueutherococcus, Rhodiola and Aswagandha  – These herbs you can use during the day to help support your adrenals. They are not stimulating and may take a little time to have an effect, but can be incredibly powerful in their benefits
    2. Avena, Passiflora and Valerian – These you would take in the evening to help your body and your adrenals relax and recover as you sleep
    3. Of course, please ask a Naturopathic Doctor or herbalist to find the right dose and the right herbs for you.