How to Offset Stress, Long Drives & Travelling
Adaptogen(n.): A natural substance—typically a plant or herb— that helps the body resist and adapt to physical, emotional, and environmental stress. Adaptogens reestablish balance in the body, helping to stabilize mood, energy, and resilience.
Stress + Travel = A Real Test of Balance
Reaching a travel destination is awesome. However, the process of getting ready, and the travel itself, can often be tiring and stressful and for some, involve anxiety. Whether you are travelling by highway or air It can be extremely helpful to have something to keep you alert, focused, energized and also calm.
Recently, while managing our south side store re-opening, I had to continue this process while travelling for other business and personal commitments.You might imagine that this was doubly stressful. There were many times, working virtually every day between April and June, that I not only felt physically/mentally challenged, but many times anxiety crept in.
My Travel MVP: Optimized Adrenal Balance
Add to this travelling (and the necessary packing for it), and all I can say is “Hallelujah for Optimized Adrenal Balance!” (AKA. Adrenal Synergy.) it contains the four primary adaptogens: Rhodiola, Ashwagandha, Ginseng, and Holy Basil.
This adaptogenic formula not only enabled me to multi-task, stay grounded, and keep going, but also offset many of the physical and mental challenges typically involved in travelling.
For example:
- Many struggle staying awake or paying full attention while driving.
- While on a plane in the air our bodies are exposed to higher levels of radiation, and at altitude, reduced partial pressure of oxygen.
- Whether flying or driving, anxiety can also definitely creep in when you get on to the “gerbil wheel” with your thoughts, and the “What if’s”...(“Oh no, what if this happens?”)
A Shift in Moments
During a recent drive between Grand Prairie and Fort St. John, BC, I got distressing news before we left and was highly agitated. Add to this a rental car that wouldn’t cooperate, and I wasn’t in a good state! Yet, after taking two Optimized Adrenal Balance, I was surprised how quickly I went through a pronounced shift. I calmed right down, was able to stay focused and alert, while enjoying the trip with my travelling companion.
We arrived late, and got up early, and about ½ an hour before the presentation I was giving, took some more Optimized Adrenal Balance. Even though we were pressured for time to get back to Grand Prairie for a flight to Calgary, the presentation went extremely smoothly, as did the drive back. The experience was even somewhat exhilarating!
Adaptogens in Action: The Perfect Reset
Remember, the definition of an adaptogen: a substance, (usually a herb) that reduces the effects of stress, and corrects the imbalance regardless of the direction. If you are too high it brings you down, If you are too low, it brings you up…i.e. it helps you stay balanced.
Optimized Adrenal Balance contains the four primary adaptogens: Rhodiola, Ashwagandha, Ginseng, and Holy Basil. I find it most helpful mid-morning and/or mid afternoon at a dose of 1-2 capsules.
Soon we will explore it also as one of the tools that anyone who exercises can also use to improve their performance and endurance. Runners - take note!
Till next time:
Be well!
John