Healthy Living
Last week, I shared with you my journey to adrenal fatigue. Today I’m sharing my personal plan for adrenal fatigue recovery.
This post is long, and it gives a pretty big glimpse into my personal life. I hope you will find it helpful and encouraging if you are working through adrenal fatigue or burnout as well.Â
Adrenal fatigue has been like many things in my life: I have known that I needed to make a plan for recovery for a long time now, but it wasn’t until I crashed in January (after the flu!) that I had the initiative to actually do something about it.
A few months before my flu incident, I had another good friend–also a work-at-home mama–who crashed with adrenal fatigue. (In fact, she is the one who recommended the book The Adrenal Reset Diet.) I thought that was a wake-up call for me, but getting sick was the last straw to finally propel me to change.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been putting together an adrenal fatigue recovery plan for myself. This plan is simple and does not include anything especially scientific or medical (I am not a healthcare professional!), and the key ingredient to my plan is rest.
It’s a plan that anyone dealing with low energy or fatigue of any sort can begin to implement today!
My Plan for Adrenal Fatigue Recovery
1. I’m turning off my computer by 9:00 p.m.
While reading The Adrenal Reset Diet, I learned that the blue light from computer screens can alter your circadian rhythm and can actually cause insomnia!
I’ve always been a natural night owl. But for the past several years, especially, I’ve been accustomed to working on the computer at night, up until bedtime. In my mind, this was the right thing to do since it ensured I was spending most of my daylight hours, even as a work-at-home mom, with my children.
However, once I went to bed (usually around midnight), I noticed that I had a hard time falling and staying asleep.
In addition to turning the computer off by 9:00 p.m., I am also no longer using my Kindle Fire–which also uses a blue light–to read at night. For Valentine’s Day, my husband gave me a Kindle Paperwhite, which will satisfy my reading-before-bed needs without killing my sleep.
I’ve also installed the flux app on my laptop. This app regulates the color of the computer screen, making it darker (and harder to work on) at night. I’m looking for a similar app for my iPhone.
In addition to turning the computer off earlier than I’ve been doing at night, I’m also avoiding it first thing in the morning. According to Dr. Alan Christianson, the author of The Adrenal Reset Diet, TV and computer screens are not good in the early morning because they speed up brain waves.Â
2. I’m sticking to my office hours.
Most of the time I’m not even turning on my computer at night. Yes, there are instances when I do have to–like when I need to place a Vitacost order or use a meal planning service after the girls have gone to bed, but, as a general rule, especially when it comes to working, I’m keeping it shut.
Instead, I’m sticking to my office hours. For years, I completed my work-at-home mom job during nap times or at night.
This was a necessity at the time, and I do not regret it.
But working so many years at night has worn on my health.
Last semester, for the first time ever, I actually began to have “real” work hours.
My firstborn is now in kindergarten three days per week at a university model school (she is homeschooled the other two days). My two littles attend a church preschool two mornings per week while their big sister is at school. In addition, my husband, a high school Spanish teacher, is now home on Fridays. And sometimes, during really busy seasons, we have a mother’s helper come in for a few hours per week.
This affords me the equivalent to part-time hours to earn the income we need through my work-at-home mom jobs. It allows me to be present when I am home with the girls, and it gives me the time for adequate rest at night.
But realizing I actually have these office hours now has been a huge adjustment for me. My habit has been to continue to pull the computer out to keep working at night.
I’ve decided that has got to stop.
What I don’t get done during my office hours just doesn’t get done.
For my particular work, that might mean working with fewer sponsors and affiliates, writing fewer eBooks, and taking a bit longer to respond to emails, but I’m OK with that. My primary goal in this work-at-home mom gig is to make enough income that we don’t have to go back on government aid, and my passion is in writing and connecting with you all. The rest can all go on the back burner.
I know this is not possible or even ideal for all moms, but it is working for my family.
Not all of those struggling with adrenal fatigue even need office hours because not everyone works, but what might it be for you?
Do you need to cut back on your homeschool plans for the time being and just do the bare necessities? Perhaps you need to limit nighttime extracurriculars?
Evaluate your life and your particular situation and see what sticking to “office hours” means for you.
3. I’m doing something fun every day.
I love to read. I don’t get to read as much in this season of life as I would like, but reading a bit before bed has become part of my nighttime routine.
I’m sticking to print books (or my new Kindle Paperwhite!) to not strain my eyes, though!
For you, it might be a walk, sewing, crafting, baking, etc.
What is it that makes your soul come alive but you don’t usually make time for because of a busy schedule?
I’m learning that sticking to my office hours, closing the computer by 9:00 p.m. and going to bed earlier affords me the 15 to 30 minutes per day I need to unwind with a good book. This is relaxing and soul building.
(P.S. You can now follow me on Goodreads!)
4. I’m sticking to light exercise.
Back in the summer, I participated in an intense exercise program. There is a time and place and season for exercise programs like this, but from my recent research on adrenal fatigue, I have learned that super intense exercise programs can do more harm than good.
Adrenal fatigue is a result of your body being in a state of near constant stress, and that can be mental, emotional, or physical stress. The physical stress of these programs can actually cause someone with adrenal fatigue to hold onto weight!
“Prolonged and frequent high-intensity aerobic exercise will only make things worse. Anything above half your maximum effort will cause substantial elevations in cortisol levels. As a consequence, this will block fat loss, even though you might be burning more calories.” ~Dr. Alan Christianson, The Adrenal Reset DietÂ
For now, I’m sticking to very, very light exercise and putting intense weight loss on the back burner. Fit2B is my exercise program of choice because the routines are low intensity and tummy safe.
As soon as the weather warms up, I also want to begin walking more regularly again. The author of The Adrenal Reset Diet points to the many benefits of light outdoor exercise, including the natural vitamin D and the sunlight balancing one’s circadian rhythm, aiding in sounder sleep at night.
Dr. Christianson also recommends avoiding prolonged bouts of being sedentary. Because I can tend to be an all-or-nothing person, I am going to have to be very intentional about balance in exercise over the next few months.
5. I’m going to bed by 10 p.m. at night and am sleeping for 9-10 hours per night.
Yes, you read that right! For now, I am not getting up at 5:30 a.m.Â
This might sound crazy for some, but this is actually a true challenge for me! Midnight has been my average bedtime for many years now (and I’ve often stayed up much later while working on big projects, and, of course, I’ve been in the constant cycle of night-waking babies and toddlers for the past 6 1/2 years as well).
But I’ve made it to bed by 10 p.m. for most of the past three weeks.
I can tell a world of difference when I go to bed at 10 p.m. as opposed to midnight! I am not falling asleep right away, but I usually do within thirty minutes or so.
For right now, I am letting myself naturally wake up without an alarm–until I feel I have healed from sleep deprivation. Dr. Christianson suggests allowing yourself to wake naturally instead of relying on an alarm clock:
“Loud noises trigger a startle response that wakes you up certainly, but they also set off your internal alarm, which makes the day’s stressors more intense.” ~Dr. Alan Christianson, The Adrenal Reset DietÂ
I’m finding that I naturally wake up between 7:30 and 8:00 a.m. when I go to bed around 10 p.m.Â
Because my girls have started sleeping in later themselves (hallelujah!), and because my oldest is only in school three mornings per week and the school doesn’t start until 9:00 a.m., I am able to do this. (I know this isn’t the case with everyone, so some people might have to go to bed even earlier!)
Eventually, I hope to start waking earlier again, but, for now, I do not feel guilty about the amount of time I am sleeping each night. It is definitely making my days better. Â I think I will be able to start waking up earlier within the next few weeks. Dr. Christianson suggests:
“Give yourself two weeks during which you make sleep a priority, and see how much better you can feel.” ~Dr. Alan Christianson, The Adrenal Reset Diet Â
Dr. Christianson actually suggests that those who are severely sleep deprived take a “sleepcation.” He recommends going somewhere for three days to sleep as much as possible. This is not feasible for everyone, but if you are taking a personal retreat anytime soon, working sleep into it might be a good idea!
6. I’m connecting with real-life community.
For the past two years, in particular, my online community has become crowded while my real-life community has been lacking. A few months back, I decided that had to change.Â
We recently began attending a different church than the one we had been members of for over five years. The church we are now attending (and will most likely join soon) is much closer to our home. But it wasn’t a move of convenience as much as a move to our own community.
Before, we were in a church family with members scattered all over a five-town suburban radius–and those in our town were in the minority. Now, we worship alongside those who live right down the street. We are looking forward to the community-building this will organically bring to our lives.
Real-life, face-t0-face community is a basic human need–especially for extroverts like me! Dr. Christianson even addresses this in his book:
“Humans are social animals; having no contact with others can be among the most traumatic experiences. Not only does isolation cause early death, but it also has been shown to lead to obesity.” ~Dr. Alan Christianson, The Adrenal Reset Diet Â
7. I’m tweaking my diet.
The Adrenal Reset Diet lays out an entire eating plan for how to heal your adrenals through food.
The basic premise is to start the day with protein and to ease into more healthy carbs with each meal, ending with the most carb-heavy meal of the day.
The protein will help wake you up, and the carbs will help prepare your body for sleep at night–when it’s supposed to be sleeping!
8. I’m exploring supplements.
I do not feel qualified to give you a detailed supplements plan. I’m actually still forming my plan as well. I’ll be seeing an integrative MD at the beginning of March, and I hope to discuss supplements further with her.
The Adrenal Reset Diet actually gives specific supplement recommendations for the various stages of adrenal fatigue–stressed, wired but tired, crashed, and thriving.
For now, in addition to my regular winter supplements regimen, I’m focusing on making sure I have adequate Vitamin D3 and magnesium, and I’m drinking lemon balm tea during the day and a chamomile blend before bed at night. I’m also taking 1,000 mg of Vitamin C per day, as this vitamin is essential for adrenal fatigue recovery.
Katie at Wellness Mama recently wrote a great post on natural sleep aids. One of her suggestions that I have tried is taking honey with a bit of salt before bed at night. In addition, I’m using some calming essential oils topically at night, and I sometimes take the Snooze Ezee tincture from Trilight Health.
Resources
I’ve found the following books helpful in my journey to adrenal fatigue recovery. Some of them are specifically about adrenal fatigue and others are just about slowing down and giving yourself time to breathe!
Adrenal Fatigue: The 21st Century Stress SyndromeÂ
Have you ever dealt with adrenal fatigue? What are your suggestions for adrenal fatigue recovery?
Disclaimer: I am not a healthcare professional. I am just a mom who loves to research about health and wellness. The sources for this post are the books listed above, as well as adrenalfatigue.org. Please consult your trusted healthcare professional before making any decisions about your health!
Karen
Hi, Erin,
I have been a long-time reader and have enjoyed your blog. Have you looked into Plexus as a supplement? Yes, as a disclaimer, I am an ambassador, but I am not looking to sell you on anything. I would want you to find someone closer to you that would work with you. Just a suggestion…
Erin
Thank so much, Karen. I have heard about it but haven’t tried it.
Annika
I have adrenal fatigue as well and have been battling it for almost a year. (I stopped taking care of myself partially during that time and am on the upswings again).
Erin
I hope you can get back to taking care of yourself, Annika!
Rosann
I can relate. Last year I was exercising too hard and somehow threw my body into a perfect storm of hormone chaos – Thyroiditis, adrenal fatigue, dehydration/electrolyte imbalance, peri menopause, etc… Anyway, it’s been a long year of recovery and I’m finally feeling great again. I started a 12-part video series on my blog to share my journey because I know the hardest part for me was lacking answers and having to be my own health advocate. I pray you’ll feel better soon!
Erin
Thanks for sharing your videos!
Veronica Mc Cabe
Hi Where do I find your videos please?
Amanda
A fan or white sound machine helps me sleep at night. If I can open a window for fresh nwp air…even better!
Ellen Russell
Thanks so much for sharing this! We think my husband may be having some adrenal fatigue (he also has other autoimmune issues) – we realized something was going on when he was way more exhausted than I was after having our third baby! We’ve been looking for some ideas to help him out
Erin
I hope he finds healing, Ellen!
Hillary E.
Sleep is the best possible thing you can do, in my opinion. For six months I allowed myself to sleep until I woke up. Some nights I slept 7 hours, some 10 hours, but I allowed myself to wake naturally. I’m lucky because my boys are now old enough to wake up and get themselves breakfast. Sometimes it means a later day for homeschooling, but that’s okay. Not everybody will understand and be supportive, but do what’s best for you. My adrenal fatigue came after running a home bakery and working for anywhere from 40-60 hours a week at home, on top of homeschooling and having a husband who travels for work Monday through Friday each week. I now have several autoimmune issues I’m dealing with along with a resurgence of the adrenal issues. It can be really hard to slow down and take of ourselves, but we have to. I hope that you feel better quickly!
Erin
Thank you so much, Hillary! i am trying to keep up with comments from the backend of my site, but for some reason I missed a bunch of these before! I posted my nighttime routine today. It is helping me SO much!! I feel so much better with more sleep! I agree–sleep is KEY!
Barb
Thank you for sharing. I have recently been diagnosed with adrenal fatigue as well. My doctor has recommended some supplements, changing my diet & I’m working on getting more sleep & exercise. I didn’t realize so many people struggled with this but thankful to hear others life experience with it as well to encourage me that I’m not alone. God is always good & I’m thankful for the answers He has directed me to & look forward to what life has in store for the future.
Erin
I hope you find healing soon, Barb!
Melody Manynard
I have never dealt with adrenal fatigue, but I have dealt with P.A.N.D.A.S. and other autoimmune issues. I’m just now at a place where I feel ahead of the fatigue, although admittedly this last week with the temperature drop here in Ohio is taking its toll on me. I was once at a place where I didn’t feel rested unless I was getting twelve hours of sleep each night. I still operate best on ten hours each night, although college and work don’t always allow for it . . . I’m glad to hear you’re taking care of yourself and using essential oils to help you as well. EO’s have changed the way my husband and I look at our health as a whole. God bless you and your family.
Erin
Wow, Melody! I cannot imagine! I have never heard of PANDAS before. I am glad you are doing better!
Kim
Thanks for sharing this Erin. I, too, struggle with adrenal fatigue sometimes and perhaps a thyroid problem. I think that you are right on target with your suggestions. I, too, am doing many of these things to slow my balance my hormones. The only new thing I am doing is eating more sea salt for the sodium. This is a big change for me! Prayers for peace in your family.
Erin
Thank you, Kim! I hope you find healing too!
Mindy @ Farm Fit Mama
Hey, Erin! Thank you so much for posting about adrenal fatigue. Though I have not been professionally diagnosed, I believe I do suffer from adrenal fatigue. I work a full time salary job plus 3 part time jobs PLUS we have a farm! I have a 20 month old daughter who craves my attention at all times. I have had so much trouble shutting off but I don’t know what to quit as I love everything I am doing. But I know I must. I will be following your plan. 🙂
Erin
Yes–this sounds like a recipe for adrenal fatigue! I hope you find some rest and healing soon, Mindy!
Jen G.
This!! i cannot stress how important good nighttime hygiene is for your health! turn off those computers and tv’s!! make it dark, eat a GOOD snack (protein, complex carbs:https://www.drlam.com/blog/how-to-get-the-best-sleep-ever/5506/ )before going to bed, brrreeeaatthhhee. If ya don’t sleep, you just plain do NOT feel good the following day and it can seriously impact, not only your day, but your feelings, your motivation, and just your overall well being.
Erin
Yes!! Totally agree.
Sheryl
Thanks for sharing about your experience with adrenal fatigue. Mine is ongoing and will remain so until I am able to leave the city. With the amount of EMF’s in a large city it has over-powered my adrenals and the fatigue never leaves. I have found that bi-polar magnets help me with the balance issue. I also sleep on magnetic shield pads and am able to get 6-7 hours of sleep now. While I have a device on my phone that helps block some of the EMF’s, not using the cell phone is the best option for me. I sit next to my total shield when I am on the phone and use the speaker otherwise. Very seldom is it next to my ear. My computer time is not long or often and I use a screen and am grounded by a wrist strap to help with the EMF’s. I could not make it without my adrenal gland supplements.
Erin
Thank you so much for sharing what all you are doing!
Anna @ Feminine Adventures
Several of my friends and family members have recently been diagnosed with adrenal fatigue. I haven’t, but have been so tired lately that I am giving myself grace to sleep when I’m tired and not push myself past exhaustion. Thanks for sharing your recovery plan (and all the great resources!) I hope you recover very soon!
Erin
Thanks so much for commenting, Anna, and YAY for giving yourself grace!!
Lindsey Smith
Hi. I have been reading about your struggles and have been on a mission to correct my hormone balance and came across this. Hope maybe it will help. Good luck with your adrenal fatigue.
http://organicindiausa.com/blog/support-happiness-with-kidney-adrenal-care/
Erin
Thank you! I hope you find healing as well!
Anita
Thank you for sharing all of this great information! I have found that Gaia Herbs Adrenal Support really helped me, in addition to vitamin d3, magnesium, and just remembering to take care of myself by taking my vitamins and getting enough exercise and rest. I hope you feel better soon. I love your blog and you always have great information.
Erin
Thanks SO much for these recommendations, Anita!
Misty
How are things going? Are you feeling better?
Angela
I just started the Gaia herbs adrenal support two days ago. I already notice a difference for the better. Is that even possible?
SASB
Here is an excellent resource on the subject:
The author addresses Adrenal Fatigue in her book entitled “STTM Stop The Thyroid Madness”
The first edition was for thyroid patients and there is now a 2nd edition for both patients and practitioners. The main premise of the book is that the longstanding synthetic thyroid hormones (T4 only) – are insufficient and can cause problems, whereas NDT hormones have been shown to be very beneficial for many of us.. The author gives a lot of information on adrenal fatigue, symptoms, tests needed, possible solutions, etc.
The best thing about this book? A lot of the contributing “symptoms, lists of good docs, what solutions have been helpful, etc were supplied by actual patients experiencing these issues, rather than a book in which the author alone, through his/her own practice, ‘tells’ you what you should do.
I have no affiliation with this book, the author nor her website. I’m just an ordinary (well – not really) cancer/thyroid patient, like to read up on issues pertinent to me, and pass along information and resources which may help someone else.
I enjoyed your post on this subject!
Sifat Sarowar
This is truly extraordinary info.I experienced adrenal weakness for a long time and this is the sort of counsel that truly helped me to conquer my issue. In this way, to all you sufferers, YES! There is trust! Simply don’t lose confidence and realize that your body can mend itself. I was fortunate to locate some awesome guidance that helped me beat my adrenal weariness and show signs of improvement.Here is one of the resources that helped me a lot: http://adrenalfatiguenomore.com/adrenalfatigue.html
Sifat Sarowar
This is truly extraordinary info.I experienced adrenal weakness for a long time and this is the sort of guidance that truly helped me to beat my issue. In this way, to all you sufferers, YES! There is trust! Simply don’t lose confidence and realize that your body can recuperate itself. I was fortunate to locate some extraordinary counsel that helped me conquer my adrenal weakness and show signs of improvement.Here is one of the resources that helped me a lot: http://adrenalfatiguenomore.com/adrenalfatigue.html
Jamie
I’m trying to get through adrenal and thyroid problems, but sometimes I’ll have a “crash day” where I sleep 11 hours at a time. My husband gets upset with me when I sleep for more than 8 hours (which is what he feels good on) because he doesn’t understand its what my body needs.
Crystal
Hi Erin
I am so glad I came across your website and i truly believe God puts things beofre you that He wants to. I have been suffering from so much stress for over 2 years now as I have a suicidal daughter and a marriage falling apart. I have always been to the go getter, never having emough sleep. Working until early hours in the morning and getting up early and my life was on the run.
Now i feel so lazy. I cant get up i have put on so much weight around my middle area I know i have adrenal fatigue. I was just looking for a meal plan which I can follow each week which is heigh in protein and low in carbs which i s what i think I need but cannot find a meal plan anywhere do you perhaps have one or know where I can obtain one.At this stage it is just easier for me to follow something then to try and think.
Thank you for your informative blog.
Take care
Blessings
crystal
Andrea
Erin, thanks so much for writing this article! First, it’s so comforting to know that others are in the same boat. I can identify with the too busy, going to bed at midnight, getting up at 5:00, no time for fun, and then crashing after months of that routine. I have suffered adrenal fatigue several times, and I don’t even have kids! But being a woman with a full-time, stressful job, a very busy husband, a home to take care of, many church activities, a jewelry-making business, and the list goes on, there was no time for rest or for anything fun. Although I don’t make New Year’s resolutions, I think this will be my New Year’s resolution because I feel like I’m headed for adrenal fatigue again. Taking care of your body is never irresponsible or lazy. It’s responsible!
Gayla
So happy to find your blog.
Although my doctors have mentioned adrenal fatigue for several months, I had a major Sjogrens Syndrome flare and have been down since the 2nd week of January. Had to make 3rd trip to rheumatologist Monday. He finally added adrenal fatigue to my list of issues.
I can see myself in the things you have written. So many of the symptoms describe me. Now I’m just trying learn as much as I can. I have ordered the AF Reset Diet, and I’m going to print your EBook.
I’m wondering if your followers have experienced hair loss and, if so, what they did to correct it.
Amy
Hi! Do you have a meal plan that goes along with the adrenal fatigue diet you tried?
Kristy
I’m here to tell my story. Eight years ago I endured what I call a “bomb going off” in my life. So much family trauma happened at once and I felt the weight on my shoulders as I tried to help. Six and a half years ago another “bomb” hit and I felt the devastation deeper…fast forward a year and I was diagnosed with severe adrenal fatigue. Im only 35….ALL of my 30’s have been consumed with this disease! I am a follower of Christ and His strength has carried me and seen me through, but so much of my energy and time was spent thinking about what I can or can’t eat, fighting my own body just to have energy to do things I enjoy (that were no longer as pleasurable as they used to be due to fatigue), and fighting against the inner beast that would lash out during stressful moments. Oh how it embarasses me to think on the times I acted with a rageful sounding tone, or yelled…or simply just could not handle even the tiniest of stress. That’s not me. But yet it was me. Ugh.
Last summer, after being on continued hormone supplements for over a year (after my 6th child was born; I was on the same supplements for two years prior to his birth), I felt my adrenals stabilize. As a family we joined the local YMCA where I enjoed being active and able to exercise again. I was still on a strict diet, actively watching what I eat. And yet I was not losing weight, in fact there were weeks I would gain! Frustrating. But what was I going to do?
I began to sadly accept that this was just going to be something I had to accept and deal with for the rest of my life.
Then late July I found out I was pregnant with our seventh child (no my children weren’t the cause of my adrenal fatigue, I have always loved children-this is what I was born to do. From running day cares to going to school to become a teacher-this is me and I love it!). Anyhow when I found out I was pregnant I had to stop the supplements. I was SICK for 16 weeks straight!! I’m talking chair bound, nothing staying in, awfully sick. I was experiencing a wacky hormone imbalance which showed me that my adrenals weren’t necessarily stabilized like I thought, but rather were dependant upon the supplements! I did NOT and do NOT want to be on hormone supplements for the rest of my life just to function! So I continued to follow a strict diet from my naturopath.
Then early December at around 27 or so weeks all 8 of us caught the flu! To be pregnant and throwing up every 30 mins. for 14 hours straight was not fun, to say the least. It wore me out. I was exhausted and had trouble eating right because I was too tired to think about it, let alone cook it. Caring for my kids and husband was easy because they can eat things like pasta and bread, at that point I still wasn’t able to eat much of it. A friend of mine had just finished a 30 day nutritional cleanse. I was impacted by how healthy she looked and how great she felt! I called her asking if I could try the program, figuring that at least I’m getting something good in me for the baby.
I am SHOCKED at what it has done for me! I feel better than I have in YEARS!!! I should be understandably tired right now with a newborn, but I’m not! I have been consistently using their products every day for four months and not only has there been an improvement in my energy, but so many other positive benefits as well! For the first time in FIVE YEARS (5 years!) I am not on some sort of “diet!”!!!
My husband and children have noticed the change! I no longer stress, I’m laughing and having fun again, exercising, and not worried about what I eat. We eat a very healthy diet anyway, but I can have pasta and not be affected negatively. I also am wearing jeans that I couldn’t even zip up last April!
Recently we had a major sewage issue in our which has resulted in nearly an entire house renovation. This happened when my new son was only a week and a half old! He is now 4 weeks old and I am AMAZED at my ability to handle stress! Noway would I have been able to handle this at any point in the past!
Having dealt with adrenal issues for about six years, this is a VERY welcomed positive change!!! I praise God for this! Thank you God for normalcy and balance!!!
I would love to talk with anyone regarding adrenal fatigue and/or nutrition and the benefits of a nutritional cleanse.
I love your posts and I pray your adrenals stabilize. Many blessings!
Joelle
Kristy,hearing your story was very encouraging to me, as a believer in Christ struggling with an adrenal dysregulation (and Hashimoto’s disease). Just to know that there can be healing after years of struggle and that you were able to hold on to God’s grace throughout…is so helpful to me right now. I’ve had an adrenal dysregulation for 5 months, where my cortisol is running high and I have difficulty breathing and panic attacks. And it’s felt like a lifetime already! I feel like I’m 35 going on 70 with some of the aches and pains in my body. I’ve been following a high protein/fat, healthy carb, no sugar, gluten-free diet. I’ve also been going to bed at 9:30 and waking up around 6 (I have to for my job). I’ve been taking vitamin B, C, and D, as well as magnesium, Kavinace, and 5-HTP. These have all been helpful, but I’m far from being in a healthy place. I go for walks almost daily, as my form of exercise. My employer has allowed me to work from home, which has been a huge blessing–the only downside being the isolation that comes with it. At times I have felt unable to even see people, but now my husband and I are working on trying to have people over every couple weeks, so that we can rebuild a sense of community that we’ve been missing these months (we just moved to a new area when this happened, so relationally it’s been a huge challenge!). Right now, I can barely drive 5 minutes in a car, so we haven’t been able to go to church. That’s the very place I would love to be right now! If anyone has suggestions on how to build a sense of Christian community while being home bound, I would love to hear them.
Erin
Hi Joelle! Thanks so much for sharing your story. I’m so, so sorry to hear all you are going through. My heart breaks for you, but I love how you are taking the initiative for healing. As far as community when you cannot get out: I am a big advocate of “real-life” community if you ARE able to get out, but in a situation like yours, online communities are a HUGE blessing. The Mommies Network (http://www.themommiesnetwork.org) is nationwide, with many cities participating. Also, I have heard WONDERFUL things about She Reads Truth online Bible studies: http://shereadstruth.com. Please give me an update sometime, so I know how you are doing.
BMW
I would love to hear more about the cleanse Kristy! Can you tell me the name of the book? I have been dealing with adrenal fatigue for 6+ years and am willing to try anything. I have been on progesterone & supplements for years. I have recently has testosterone pellets implanted. Nothing has worked.
Thanks for the info!
Erica
Kristy,
I would love to hear about this nutrition cleanse that you did. Could you tell me about the program because I am at my end of my rope and my adrenal is crashed.
Camille
I would love to hear more about the cleanse you did as well Kristy.
Tracy Morrison
Hi! I just found this site as I am researching adrenal reset diets. After years and thousands of dollars on sleep studies, being diagnosed with motherhood, anti anxiety meds, depression meds, supplements and so on, I finally found a doctor that looked deeper. I took the cortisol test over the course of a day and my doctor diagnosed me with stage 3 adrenal fatigue. So happy I am not crazy! I thought I was going crazy. And I was/am missing out on life from the exhaustion. Just starting my journey and looking forward to getting my life back.
One thing I want to share is something I learned regarding the blue light. I work in an office, so cannot avoid my computer. My eye doctor told me that there is a coating you can get on your glasses that blocks the blue light. I have this coating on my computer glasses. You can also buy blue light blocking glasses really cheap on Amazon. I have my kids (2) wear these when playing on their electronics or watching TV after 7.
Thank you again for this site. I have written down many of the items on your plan to try!
adina
Hey Erin! I just found your blog through this post and am really glad I did. I am going through severe and radical adrenal fatigue recovery as well. I am a nutritionist, fitness coach, and pro bodybuilder – bought into the hustle culture for years and the idea that women are only as successful as their career and achievements. I’m 28 and my husband and I are now thinking about starting a family, which has propelled me to look at my relationship with femininity. I have subconsciously internalized societal messages that devalue traditional feminine work and personality traits. – much of which are softer, stress relieving, and beneficial for female hormones – I truly desire to be a homemaker and work part-time. So it is SO good to see women like you doing your thing!
Adrenal fatigue for me has been perpetuating for over a decade. I’ve had signs for 8 years and severe crash symptoms (migraines and muscle spasms) for over two years and didn’t get any answers, except electrolyte imabalance, until I decided to do a full hormone panel test on my own. I’m so glad you are sharing your story. Most of adrenal fatigue recovery focuses just on nutrition, exercise, and supplements. And AS a nutritionist, I feel that the rest, sleep, and shift in work schedule are the most important! I am right there with you trying to make the hard choices and shift away from being on my computer all the time. This comment sections shows us we are not alone!
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Hmm it seems like your site ate my first comment (it was super long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I wrote and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I too am an aspiring blog writer but I’m still new to everything. Do you have any suggestions for first-time blog writers? I’d really appreciate it.|
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