Adrenal fatigue is a common cause of tiredness. Our little adrenal glands have a big job and if they’ve been under pressure from stress for a long time, they’re often not up to the task. If your adrenal glands are kept busy in fight-or-flight mode they have trouble providing consistent energy.
Signs that you may need to address adrenal health are: feeling exhausted rather than energised after exercise, sensitivity to light or caffeine, waking tired after a good sleep, and mood swings. Decreasing stress is ultimately required, but that’s easier said than done.
Start by including these adrenal-nourishing strategies in your day
Take up restorative exercise such as yoga, tai chi and nature walks.
Practise meditation.
Commit to daily diaphragmatic breathing (big, deep belly breaths).
Lower your expectations (aaah, the relief!).
Reduce or cut out caffeine from coffee, tea and energy drinks.
Reduce or cut out alcohol.
Eat a diet rich in vegetables and good fats such as fish, nuts and olive oil.
Try the Ayurvedic herb Withania somnifera. Used for thousands of years to combat stress, it’s been shown to benefit those with anxiety and depression, and also to have a normalising effect on the thyroid gland. It can be a real life-saver if you feel on the edge of a breakdown at the thought of another frantically busy day.
For more on how to regain your vitality, see the latest issue of Nadia magazine, on sale now.
