Cortisol CRUNCH!!
NO!! Cortisol CRUNCH is not actually a new, tasty, fortified bowl of crispy breakfast squares like CAPTAIN CRUNCH®; It is so much more!! This brand-new morning CRUNCH is more vital, more necessary, more meaningful, and much more Life enhancing than some simple, sweetened, corn, and oat breakfast cereal!! The Cortisol CRUNCH happens each and every morning, whether we want it to or not; it is a completely natural, healthy, and a vital part of our body’s 24-hour circadian rhythm; known as the Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR). Now, cortisol has been given a bad rap in the press recently because it has been shown to be our primary Stress hormone, which it is, but it is also a vital component for our survival as individuals and as a species; for without it, we would not be able to effectively respond to our ever-changing environment. It is responsible for regulating essential bodily functions, to include metabolism, immune response, heart rate, blood pressure, and is a key component in the “fight or flight” response, as it helps to manage how our bodies utilize sugar, fats, and proteins for energy during stressful periods. The Cortisol CRUNCH begins anew each morning and it typically peaks right around 30-45 minutes after waking, providing increased alertness, energy, heart rate, and blood pressure; to give us a lighter, brighter, and more beautiful start to the day, at our own discretion, whether we like it or not!! “It is a completely natural, purposeful, fortifying, and energy producing substance,” but problems may arise if the CRUNCH is too loud, if it occurs too early, or if it is accompanied by chronic, high levels of worry and pressure throughout the day; which can indicate chronic stress, anxiety, and burnout; possibly leading to symptoms such as: weight gain, high blood pressure, thin skin, muscle weakness, severe fatigue, and more anxiety!!
RHYTHM and RHYME is the answer to dampen the siren call of the CRUNCH, and here are six early morning routines for stepping into your very own healthy a.m. Song and Dance.
#1. Hydration. Take a healthy drink of water when you get up to use the bathroom.
#2. Sunlight. Open the shades and let the natural light shine in, on your skin and through your eyes.
#3. Coffee. They say that it is best to hold off for a while, and I completely agree; I always wait until it’s brewed!! (It’s too Crunchy before it’s Brewed!!)
#4. MOVEMENT. Slow, calm, and peaceful stretching or walking is a good way to start the day.
#5. Dopamine. Avoid overstimulation, this includes checking your phone first thing in the morning!!
#6. Be kind to yourself, speak kind words to yourself, and give all your worries to God. Breathe. . .
Addendum: Mindset is crucial for managing and reducing high cortisol levels. Believing that stress is enhancing rather than debilitating, adopting a growth-oriented perspective, and practicing mindfulness, can significantly lower cortisol, reduce cardiovascular reactivity, improve your overall physical health, and give you peace of mind.
** Remember that there is no growth without stress. Think about how we make a muscle stronger, how we have to study and apply ourselves to learn something new, or how we become more resilient in our spirit and confidence; oftentimes it comes through the fire, like the purifying of gold. Stress is Best when we enter in and are fortified by it!!
Bottom line: embrace the CRUNCH, don’t be afraid, and step forward with complete confidence. You got this, I believe in you!!
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