The alarm clock goes off. Surely not, that felt like five minutes not 8 hours. You drag yourself out of bed and get that morning cup of Joe. You slowly turn into a human, but after an hour the zombie returns. Only a Starbucks run will save you! I know the feeling, I used to fuel myself with caffeine just to get through the day. By 3pm I'd lost count of how many and I'm pretty sure if you cut me open I would have bled espresso. Until I found my secret I was a mixture of little to no sleep, increasing stress, raging hormones, and overriding anxiety.

For me it was the constant pressure of the fast 'gen-z', everyone's a CEO and Beyoncé has the same amount of hours in a day world (she also has about 12 assistants) that I was trying to keep up with. I felt like if was only me struggling to succeed at work, clean the house, stay healthy, do the washing and plan a social life. Wtf was everyone else drinking? Well I've found it and it's not what you think. Keep reading!

Adaptogenic mushrooms. Adaptogens are used within traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine and are basically rejuvenating herbs. They help the body adapt, restore and fight off chemical, biological, and physical stress.

HOW DO THEY WORK?

When we are stressed or "in danger" our brain sends signals to our pituitary gland. The brains and Pituary gland then signal the adrenal glands to release the hormones needed to deal with the situation/stressor at hand. This process is called the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis. Weird science I know.

When we experience constant stress the HPA screws up causing a knock on effect to our adrenal glands. Cue in unbalanced hormones, poor digestions, trouble sleeping, skin issues, increased anxiety.

Adding in adaptogens can help balance your overall stress response and in turn the production of stress hormones (such as cortisol), which restore the function of the brain and their besties, the adrenal glands.

WHAT CAN ADAPTOGENS HELP WITH?

Improves sleep

Aids digestive issues

Increases focus

Increases energy

Regulates hormones

Improves blood sugars

Reduces stress responses

Reduces inflammation

Improves overall wellbeing

HOW CAN I INTRODUCE THEM INTO MY ROUTINE?

So when I was first introduced to Adaptogens it was through a brand called DIRTEA. The brand was set up by two very busy brothers named Andrew and Simon. Their mission was to improve their own wellbeing and help fuel their hectic lifestyles to keep them energised, focused and healthier overall. From experiencing lack of sleep, stress and anxiety they came to discover the healing powers of functional mushrooms. On their travels they were invited to a tea ceremony which is where they first came to try these savory superfoods. The brothers were hooked and decided to share their benefits with the world, and so was born Dirtea.

The brand consists of organic mushroom powders, and their signature Coffee and Cacao super-blends. Each provides different benefits from energy, focus, immunity, skin and calm. I've tried and tested them all and they are now a staple in my pantry and my daily ritual for supporting a healthier lifestyle. So let me take you through the line up and the magic in the mushrooms.

FINAL TIPS

The stigma behind mushrooms has always been linked to recreational highs. The science behind functional mushrooms is ever-growing and in popular demand among holistic health lovers, for good reasons. They are considered dietary supplements and regulated by the Food and Drug Administration as food, not drugs.

DIRTEA has made a massive difference in my life and I only share the good shit with you! Try it out and let me know how you find it.DIRTEA 

Apart from mental stressors, physical and toxic stressors can also affect our bodies. Think household chemicals, most of our market-bought fruit and veg covered in pesticides, pollutants in the air, and my personal fav, sugar. I’ll be going more into these so keep your eyes peeled.

If you’re here THANK YOU for reading, and I hope you have found what you’re looking for with me

SHE WRITES

@SHEWRITES_00