Many are choosing to pursue new goals with the start of 2023. For some, it’s diet and exercise. For others, it’s budget and financial goals. I’ve decided to go the opposite direction; instead of taking on more, I’m going to do less.
Let me be the first to say I really love helping people. It brings me joy to see someone transform from frazzled to smiling by taking even just a few minutes to say a kind word or serve them. I love events— non-profit, church, or otherwise. But as much as I love them, I have to say “no” this year to doing more. I have to say “no” even to doing the amount I’ve BEEN doing.
In December, I “got my labs done” i.e. did a blood test to check my hormonal health. Especially for athletes, it is very important to do this on a regular basis. Really, I think everyone should know what’s going on with their bodies. I’ve been so exhausted lately, without feeling like I have a good, tangible reason to. Exhausted beyond… what is normal. Exhausted and frustrated as I explore all the possible combinations of reasons. When I received my test results, I discovered that, while technically still in the normal range, my cortisol is elevated.
Cortisol is a hormone released in emotionally stressful situations. It is also released when we put our bodies in physiologically stressful situations like working out, playing sports, etc. While cortisol has some benefits, such as helping us regulate blood sugar and assisting with the formation of memories, chronically high amounts have negative consequences to our health.
So, what are some ways we can mitigate that? Well, take more time for self-care. Make sure you are getting a good quantity of quality sleep. (I’m considering investing in a better mattress this year.) Consider some supplements like a multivitamin and KSM-66 ashwagandha. Perhaps try decreasing the intensity of your workouts for awhile. Increase food to help your body recover. Truly, there are a lot of possibilities. And above all else, don’t be afraid to say “no” to things.
cassandrayoder.fitness.blog 