You’ve definitely hit the nail on the head with adrenaline being linked to stress and those racing thoughts. Adrenaline kicks in as a part of the “fight-or-flight” response, which is normally a good thing because it keeps us alert and focused. However, prolonged stress and constant adrenaline can indeed lead to burnout, anxiety, and those pesky sleep disturbances you’re noticing.
Now, regarding Ayurveda, you’re completely right to think of Ashwagandha, Brahmi, and Shankhpushpi. Ashwagandha in particular is often hailed for reducing cortisol, the stress hormone, while Brahmi and Shankhpushpi are excellent for calming the mind and improving mental clarity. I’d recommend taking Ashwagandha in the form of a powder or capsules. Start with about 300 to 500 mg once a day, preferably in the morning. It’s a gentle adaptogen so it works to modulate your stress response over time instead of in a single go.
Breathing exercises and meditation aren’t just afterthoughts either. Pranayama, especially Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing), is superb for balancing the nervous system. Just spend 5-10 minutes a day on this, ideally first thing in the morning or in a quiet moment throughout the day. It helps reduce those adrenaline spikes by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which is like the antidote to stress.
Lifestyle changes can also work wonders. Try to follow a regular routine that includes enough sleep, ideally aligning your day with the natural rhythms of the sun – waking at sunrise and going to bed by 10 PM can actually do wonders. Foods that are warm and soothing, like warm milk with a pinch of nutmeg or turmeric at night, help calm your system down.
Oh, avoid stimulants like caffeine as much as possible because they can exaggerate the effects of adrenaline. Instead, herbal teas (think chamomile or lavender) can be calming alternatives.
Remember though, if any symptom feels too overwhelming or persists, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider, whether Ayurvedic or otherwise, just to be sure there’s nothing more underlying than stress at play.
In time, with a few lifestyle and dietary tweaks anchored in Ayurvedic practice, you’ll hopefully find a rhythm that helps balance your energy and manage stress more naturally. Give it a try and see how it feels!
