Life is, at the best of times, uncertain. In fact, it is fair to say that the only certainty we have in life is uncertainty! Events, people and situations are always changing. Coming to terms with this is life-changing. Truly. Our hormones also change throughout our life, and can be affected by things going on outside of ourselves.
Even if you have a regular cycle, hormones can have a mind of their own in terms of the impact they have on your energy levels, your mood and your relationships. In the lead up to your period, the increase in progesterone can directly affect the way that you feel. Scientific research indicates that progesterone stimulates the amygdala —known as the alarm bell in the brain. When our amygdala is triggered it can cause us to feel uneasy, on high alert and more irritable with our loved ones.
As you move through the different stages of your hormonal health this can also have an impact on your mental well-being. For example, the rush of hormones after giving birth or the peri-menopause and when your periods become unpredictable.
In times of distress and/or change, our hormones can also be impacted and we need to take heed. Have you ever noticed how your period always seems to come when you travel or start something new? Our mind and bodies are so interconnected and it is imperative to make a conscious effort to activate our parasympathetic (rest and digest) nervous system when we feel stressed due to uncertainty.
In times when life takes a major u-turn – you need to be extra gentle on yourself.
Fiona Brennan, Clinical Hypnotherapist, best-selling author and TEDx speaker, reveals the more internal certainty you can create, the better. The more you manage what is within your control and let go of what is without it, will help you enormously.
Here are her top five ways to soothe your hormones in times of uncertainty.
One: See the opportunity in uncertainty. Imagine you are like a river flowing, always moving and never stagnant. Use the time to connect inwards and to cultivate resilience. Can you recall periods in your life before that you have got through and come out stronger, wiser and more resilient?
Two: Nourish Your Body. Many of us can reach for sugar or food as a source of comfort in times of uncertainty. If you can, try to keep a healthy balanced diet most of the time, with plenty of water, fruit and vegetables. If you feel you need to, you could try a natural supplement to give you extra nutritional support. I started taking Cleanmarine For Women over a year ago and it has become part of my daily routine. It has an excellent blend of Omega 3, vitamins and phytonutrients. It contains Vitamin B6, which helps to regulate hormonal activity, Vitamin B2, which supports normal skin, Vitamin B1, which helps maintain normal energy levels and Vitamin D3 which contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.
Three: Practice self-compassion towards any anxiety or irritability you feel. These feelings are totally normal and the kinder you are to yourself the more quickly it will pass. It can help to think of a person you love who you feel safe with and accepted for how you are.
Four: Increase your vagal tone. Your Vagus Nerve is the longest nerve in your body that starts at the base of your brain and extends into your gut. Which is why we often have a ‘gut feeling. When you have high vagal tone it means you are in the positive state of balance known as homeostasis. The best way to activate your vagus nerve is through deep belly breathing. Do five minutes when you rise and five minutes when you go to bed. It will make a world of difference.
Five: Listen to hypnotherapy or a guided meditation. This will activate your parasympathetic nervous system, also known as the rest and digest system. When this is activated we feel calmer physically and mentally and our immune systems are sufficiently stronger. We are more likely to respond than react to uncertainty as our body secretes oxytocin and serotonin.
Cleanmarine For Women is an omega 3 and multivitamin blend designed to offer women additional nutritional support especially around the time of your period. It contains Vitamin B6, which helps to regulate hormonal activity, Vitamin B2, which supports normal skin, Vitamin B1, which helps maintain normal energy levels and Vitamin D3 which contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.
Fiona Brennan is a Clinical Hypnotherapist with a busy practice in Dublin 4. She is a best-selling author and TEDx speaker and regularly features in the media as an ambassador of positive psychology and speaks on how to manage stress and anxiety.
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