{This is Day 4 of the Spring Cleansing Series}
For most of us chronic stress (and our mismanagement of it) bring in more toxicity to our systems than any other way.
For some things, our brains work like a switch– when one state is turned on, the other state is automatically turned off. When our stress response is turned on, our corresponding calm response is shut off– and vice versa.
But the good news is that when we switch on our calm response, we automatically switch off our stress response.
Let me tell you a little secret. You will be way more effective at switching ON your calm response, than trying to switch OFF your stress response.
Why?
Because when you focus on your stress– you end up getting more stress. When you focus on calm…you get more calm.
And here is the connection to food. Stress has a metabolism all of its own (this is a full class in itself…hmm maybe a series in the making?!?).
When we are stressed our bodies crave specific kinds of foods. When we are in a calm response, our bodies can assimilate and digest completely different kinds of foods.
The foods in a cleanse keep us solidly in a calm metabolism…and by adding in other calming and cleansing supports you reinforce and keep yourself in a composed and grounded state during your cleanse.
I devote a whole chapter in The Real Food Cleansing Guide detailing options which can be part into your cleanse (and daily life) in order to shift yourself from a stress response to a calm state instantly.
Here are 6 ways to soothe your nervous system and soothe frazzled nerves. These are excellent to add into your cleansing plan.
1. Essential Oils…(especially lavender, citrus, chamomile, geranium or ylang ylang)
2. Deep Breathing
3. Massage
4. Hot Towel Scrub
5. Warm Oil Rubs
6. Foot Massage and Soaks
**Tomorrow, we’ll wrap up the series by talking about specific foods to bring into your cleanse for the Spring season}**
What is your favorite way to calm down and relieve stress?
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Today I was sitting in a cab and feeling so stressed about work. I decided for the entire ride I was going to daydream – mostly I just envisioned things that I hope will happen in the future. And I was so happy to see that by the end of the ride my head wasn’t hurting anymore and I felt much more calm about the things going on at work. I felt like I could handle everything. Funny what a little daydreaming can do…
Oh I love it! Such a great way to dismantle stress…do a little open skies day dreaming!
as silly as it sounds, i only recently have begun to notice the effect that stress has on me physically, mentally, emotionally, you name it. now that i’m aware of it (and realizing more everyday) i’m shocked! i’ve started doing some intentional breathing exercises to calm down and it works! i want to try your other suggestions too. getting a massage right now sounds wonderful!
Hi Stacey!
It’s amazing, huh, once you recognize the connection how OBVIOUS it becomes when stress is causing a whole chain reaction in your food cravings, emotions, moods and energy level!
I completely agree about the breathing- incredible how quickly it diffuses the stress response.
Go ahead and book that massage!!
I can’t wait for everyone to feel the stress and tension relief from my 5-10 min breath and posture exercises Lisa and I filmed today! This is such a great community of women. Excited to join in the fun.
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