Happier Hormones for a Healthier You
Our hormones play such a pivotal role in our bodies; they are our ‘chemical messengers’ and we cannot survive without them. They control and coordinate our mood, emotions, metabolism, sleep pattern, bodily functions, fertility and immune system (among lots more intricate and finer details of our well-being). It’s easy to miss how important and relevant they are when we just focus on the external appearance of health and fitness. Different hormones offer varying functions so the key thing is essentially balance and harmony as the body is such a complex system of connection, very often one thing affecting something else in turn. Happier hormones will return a happier and healthier ‘you’! Here we look at a few tips for better and happier hormonal balance.
1. Sleep is crucial for health and well-being
When we sleep a number of hormones are released into our blood stream. If we sleep less or suffer bouts of stress that can cause insomnia it has a knock on effect with our appetite, mood, and emotional state. Very often how and what we eat is governed by how we feel as well as the hunger signals we receive. The hormones ghrelin and leptin are released during sleep, so our night time rest offers the optimal levels of support for these beauties to do their work. Encourage a better sleep pattern by focusing on winding down perhaps an hour or so before bedtime, turn off the television, switch your mobile devices off, shut down the PC, and just focus on something more relaxing in preparation for a good night sleep.
2. Exercise is a natural mood lifter
Physical activity encourages the release of serotonin and endorphins, these two are very well known as the ‘happy hormones’, they are our ‘feel good’ friends! Any exercise whether a gentle walk in the park or a more intense outdoor run can kick these hormones into action. Have you noticed how you always feel better after exercise? It is largely due to the role of these hormones. Energy creates more energy, sometimes we may feel a little sluggish or lazy even…but just giving ourselves a little nudge to move more can really help to promote better health, physically, emotionally, and mentally. “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” ~Albert Einstein
3. Hormonal imbalance is very often something that happens over time.
In becoming more aware of the role that our endocrine system and our hormones play we can shape a way forward that helps us to be happier and healthier. Many things can negatively affect our hormonal equilibrium, including exposure to toxins and pollutants, stress, sleep deprivation, inadequate exercise and nutrition, the list goes on. We can’t always shield ourselves from what may surround us but we can always find a way to protect ourselves a little better. In terms of your health and well-being, always focus on the bigger picture and nurture yourself from the inside to out.