Harness the Power of Sunlight, Breakfast, and Digital Detox
Introduction:
Maintaining hormonal balance is vital for overall health and well-being. While numerous factors can impact our hormone levels, there are simple habits we can incorporate into our daily routines to optimize their balance. In this blog post, we will explore four effective practices that can make a significant difference: getting sunlight in the morning, eating a timely and protein-based breakfast, and reducing screen time before bed.
Embrace the Morning Sunlight:
There is something truly invigorating about basking in the warm rays of the morning sun. Exposure to natural light within 15-30 minutes of waking up can have a profound impact on our hormones. Sunlight stimulates the production of serotonin, often known as the happy hormone, promoting a positive mood and improved overall well-being. Moreover, it helps regulate the body’s internal clock, known as the circadian rhythm, which affects the release of various hormones throughout the day. Getting early morning sunlight will help lower cortisol and help you get better sleep. If you’re concerned about UV rays on your face, but still want to be conscious of the toxins you’re putting on your skin, you can try a clean, EWG verified SPF like Attitude.
Nourish Your Body with Timely Breakfast:
The adage “breakfast is the most important meal of the day” holds true when it comes to hormone balance. Eating within 30 minutes to an hour upon waking ensures steady energy levels and sets a positive tone for your hormones. Skipping breakfast or delaying it can lead to irregular blood sugar levels, triggering excessive production of cortisol, the stress hormone. A well-balanced breakfast, preferably protein-based, provides the necessary nutrients to support hormone production and maintain stable blood sugar levels throughout the day. To help balance my hormones, I aim to eat a protein forward breakfast. On days when I don’t have the time or energy to cook, I enjoy a clean protein shake using Clean Simple Eats 100% grass fed whey protein powder. The brownie batter is my favorite!
Opt for a Protein-Based Meals:
Choosing protein rich meals plays a vital role in maintaining hormonal equilibrium. Proteins are the building blocks for many hormones, including insulin, growth hormones, and thyroid hormones. Incorporating lean protein sources such as eggs, Greek yogurt, chicken, steak and tofu into your meals can effectively stabilize blood sugar levels and promote satiety. Some high protein snacks I enjoy are nuts, chia seed pudding, and when I’m on the go, I LOVE the jerky sticks from Vermont Smoke & Cure! I try to pay attention to what I’m putting into my body, and with no Nitrites, Nitrates, preservatives, or artifical colors, I can feel at ease. Turkey Pepperoni is my favorite flavor. They’re great for travelling and people who are always on the go.
Unplug from Screens Before Bed:
In today’s digital age, excessive screen time has become a widespread habit that can greatly affect hormone balance. The blue light emitted by our electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and televisions, disrupts the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating our sleep-wake cycle. This interference can lead to insomnia, mood disturbances, and hormonal imbalances. To combat these issues, it’s crucial to disconnect from screens 1-2 hours before bedtime. Engage in relaxing activities like reading, meditating, or taking a warm bath to prepare your body for restful sleep. If you’re like me, and you can’t keep from scrolling your phone or reading a book on your ipad, you can use blue light blocking glasses to help. I like the Sleep ZM glasses. They have orange lenses that lower eye strain and helps combat headaches. They’re even good if you’re on a computer all day for work or gaming.
Conclusion:
Achieving hormonal balance is essential for overall health and well-being. Incorporating simple practices like exposing yourself to sunlight in the morning, having a protein-based breakfast, and reducing screen time before bed can significantly support hormone regulation. By making these small adjustments to our daily routines, we empower our bodies to function optimally, leading to improved mood, better sleep, and an overall sense of well-being. So, take charge of your hormonal health and embrace these habits for a harmonious life.