(Photo: seanmcgrath)
I recently wrote about how we end up in a state of adrenal fatigue and this week begins my experiment designed to energize and renew, and take some pressure off my adrenal glands. This is a 10-day challenge and each day I'll be implementing various behavioral strategies that are supposed to recharge our adrenals without external supplementation.
Note: My intent is to lessen the stress on my adrenal glands by reducing external stressors. I have not been diagnosed with an adrenal disorder, nor do I believe I have one. If I did, I'd be taking different measures (and you should, too).
As originally recommended by my chiropractor, I'm starting with a couple affirmations and one session of seated mediation and evening gratitudes. Refined sugar can increase symptoms, so I'll be avoiding it. Add in some moderate exercise and that's about all I can keep track of right now. Obviously I'll be doing my best to get some rest, as well.
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Project Renew: 5 Steps in 10 Days
1) Affirmations - repeated (out loud) 5x daily:
- My body is healthy and strong. (this one got me through a marathon, surgery and unmedicated childbirth)
- I rest when I am tired, eat nutritiously when I am hungry and operate at my highest function.
2) Meditation - 5 minutes daily. Either seated or walking (alone). I typically choose to visualize a flame when I do seated meditation, but everyone has a different approach.
3) Evening gratitudes - 5 things I'm thankful for, shared with FitDad. If this one's hard, I've got bigger problems...
4) Avoid refined sugar - it's more stress to forbid it, so I'm going to consciously avoid it. Sugar-detox isn't the goal of this exercise, so I'm not going to obsess about it.
5) Moderate exercise - again, not to put too much pressure on this one. I always make it an effort, with mixed results.
I'll let you know how each day goes. Ideally, I'm creating habits that will will reduce stress and help me be present. Later in the week, I'll pass along some resources to help with some of the steps.
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Read more about the Project Renew experiment went.
