Fatigue, also known as the “21st Century Stress Syndrome,” is a prevalent health issue that arises when the adrenal glands, integral to our body’s hormonal balance, become overtaxed. This is primarily due to an excess release of cortisol, a hormone crucial for various body functions. When the adrenal glands are overburdened, they may struggle to produce sufficient levels of cortisol and other essential hormones, impacting overall health and wellbeing.

The adrenal glands are quite active, producing over fifty different hormones, including cortisol and DHEA. Notably, these glands contribute to approximately 40 to 50 percent of women’s progesterone and estrogen production, crucial for various aspects of women’s health.

Some of the most common symptoms of fatigue are as follows:

• Persistent fatigue, especially upon waking, with intermittent “crashes” throughout the day (often characterized by an afternoon slump)
• Poor stress response and difficulty in regulating mood, leading to feelings of overwhelm
• Cognitive issues, often described as ‘brain fog’
• Increased energy levels in the evenings, or catching a “second wind”
• Cravings for salty and sweet foods
• Overuse of caffeine and other stimulants
• A compromised immune system, leads to a feeling of being rundown
• Trouble sleeping
• Decreased libido
• Depression and anxiety

Treating Fatigue: A Holistic Approach

Traditional treatments for fatigue often involve hormone replacement, cutting back on exercise and energy output, prioritizing sleep, balancing blood sugar, increasing exposure to sunlight, and supplementing with adaptogens and supportive nutrients. Lifestyle changes, such as increasing healthy fat intake, decreasing sugar intake, and incorporating practices like breathing exercises, meditation, and yoga, are also beneficial.

However, simply addressing the physical manifestations of fatigue may not be sufficient. The root cause of fatigue is not a deficiency in adaptogenic herbs or yoga classes, but a deep-seated pattern, typically formed at a young age, of self-neglect and depletion.

Unearthing the Roots: Self-Neglect and Depletion

These patterns of self-neglect and depletion vary for each individual. They’re formed and fortified over the years, becoming ingrained in our lifestyles, thoughts, and actions. While we can undoubtedly support the physical body with the previously mentioned treatments, if we fail to address these deep-rooted beliefs and patterns, we cannot effectively counteract physical depletion and fatigue.

The key to overcoming fatigue and its root cause lies in understanding and addressing patterns of self-neglect. Our physical bodies are mirrors reflecting our inner state, including how we truly feel about ourselves and how we treat ourselves.

Building Self-Trust: The Path to Healing

Healing these patterns of self-neglect hinges on fostering self-trust. This process begins when we make small promises to ourselves and ensure we follow through on them. As we consistently fulfill our promises, our trust in ourselves strengthens. Begin with small steps, remain consistent, and progressively nurture self-trust. In doing so, we can address the underlying self-neglect and depletion, providing a lasting solution to fatigue.

Louise x

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