Natural Ways to Reduce Cortisol & Enhance Well-being

April is a special month for us at Aura Natural Market. Not only does it signal the arrival of spring and the abundance of nature's renewal, but it also marks National Stress Awareness Month. During this time, we turn our focus towards understanding stress, its impacts on our bodies and minds, and exploring natural ways to manage and reduce these effects for better health and well-being.

Stress is a response designed to protect and prepare us. When we perceive danger, our autonomic nervous system releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, initiating the fight-or-flight response. This reaction is essential for survival, enabling quick decision-making in critical situations. However, in our modern lifestyle, stressors have evolved beyond physical dangers to include daily pressures and anxieties, leading to a constant state of alertness. This can significantly impact our sleep quality, mental state, and overall health, fostering a cycle where stress begets more stress.

Understanding the need for natural and effective ways to manage stress, especially in how it interferes with our sleep, we at Aura Natural Market recommend a variety of products and practices:

Natural Supplements 

CanPrev Sleep-Restore Ashwagandha

This unique formula combines calming herbs like lemon balm and passionflower to counteract cortisol's effects and promote relaxation. With the addition of GABA and L-theanine, it relieves tension and facilitates a peaceful transition into sleep, restoring body and mind by soothing stress.

AOR Advanced B Complex

The scientifically advanced forms of B vitamins in AOR's Advanced B Complex support energy, stress resilience, metabolism, and nerve function. By providing nutrients in forms readily utilized by the body, it aids in maintaining optimal health and combating the effects of stress.

Eversio "Chill" Reishi Daily Calm Support

Eversio's CHILL Now offers a therapeutic dose of reishi mushroom extract, revered in Traditional Chinese Medicine for its ability to reduce stress, calm the mind, and support immune function. Known as "herbal yoga," reishi is a potent adaptogen that aids in achieving daily calm and overall wellness.

Nourishing Foods 

Foods play a crucial role in our body's ability to handle stress, influencing everything from our mood to our energy levels and overall health. Incorporating certain foods into your diet can naturally lower cortisol levels and boost your resilience to stress. Here are some stress-reducing foods that we at Aura Natural Market recommend:

Omega-3 Rich Foods: Omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods like salmon, chia seeds, and walnuts, are essential for brain health and have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels. These fats play a crucial role in emotional health, with studies suggesting that they can decrease the production of stress hormones.

Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, and other leafy greens are high in magnesium, a mineral that can help calm the nervous system and improve sleep quality. Magnesium deficiency has been linked to heightened stress and anxiety, making these vegetables a vital part of a stress-reducing diet.

Blueberries: Blueberries are not only delicious but also packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, which have been shown to lower stress. They can aid in repairing and protecting cells during stressful times and improve mood.

Dark Chocolate: In moderation, dark chocolate can reduce stress. It contains flavonoids, which are known to increase blood flow to the brain, reduce inflammation, and boost brain health, all of which can help reduce stress levels. Look for chocolate that is at least 70% cocoa for the maximum benefits.

Fermented Foods: Fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, kombucha, and sauerkraut contain probiotics, which have been shown to improve gut health and reduce stress and anxiety. The health of our gut is closely linked to our mood due to the gut-brain axis, making these foods particularly beneficial for stress management.

Avocados: Avocados are a rich source of B vitamins, essential for healthy nerves and brain cells, and may reduce stress. They are also high in monounsaturated fat and potassium, which can help lower blood pressure.

Beyond Supplementation & Nutrition: Lifestyle Recommendations

At Aura Natural Market, we believe in a holistic approach to health. Managing stress involves more than just supplementation and whole foods; it encompasses lifestyle choices that nurture the mind, body, and spirit:

Mindfulness and Meditation: Incorporating practices like meditation and breathwork can significantly reduce stress levels and improve mental clarity.

Routine and Self-Care: Starting your day with intention, through rituals like a mindful breakfast or a morning walk, sets a positive tone for the day.

Community and Connection: Remember, you are not alone. Sharing experiences and coping strategies can provide support and strengthen our sense of community.

Personal Journeys

Vanessa, the heart behind our groceries, incorporates a breathwork ritual into her mornings, proving that a mindful start can transform your entire day. 

Kristina, one of our dedicated holistic nutritionists, is taking a step by pausing her social media use to clear her mind and focus on her well-being. It's a reminder that sometimes, the best thing we can do for ourselves is to step back and breathe. 

As we observe National Stress Awareness Month, let's commit to taking steps towards managing stress and enhancing our well-being. We’re here to support you on this journey with products, knowledge, and a community focused on holistic health. Together, we can turn stress into strength, embracing a balanced and vibrant life.