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When we started WildFREE Health, long before we called it that, we set out to do just one thing: Help other women feel better. We knew that at the core of health was eating and recognizing how the foods we choose affect us. Because we lived it. We had to learn the things that our bodies didn't need. It wasn't just opting for grilled chicken versus fried. It was things like finding out that dairy is a NO-FLY for one of us and any kind of peppers leads to a tummy ache and itchy rash for the other. Those things cause inflammation throughout our bodies... not just in the places we see.
So, we learned how to enjoy food without the things we knew were hurting us. And yet inflammation still persisted. Why? Because our bodies were feeling the stress of our lives. We were hustling to build and run other businesses, working to keep our families moving in the right direction, and dealing with life in a big city. Even though we were happy and doing something we LOVE, our bodies were telling us to chill out.
Our second life-changing moment came when we REALIZED the impact stress has on us and every woman we meet. EVERY.SINGLE.ONE. That's reality. Stress leads to inflammation, and that leads to things that can and do kill women as well as men every single day.
Inflammation is the right and natural response to injury or infection, but when it becomes chronic, it can lead to gut problems, heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer.
But what do we do about it? First, we start to break the cycle of stress, causing inflammation and inflammation affecting our mental health, which affects our stress levels .... You see it. We start to break that by trying stress-management techniques that have been around for centuries.
Deep breathing exercises, meditation, regular exercise, and time management can all work wonders in reducing stress levels. Incorporating these techniques into daily routines can significantly lower inflammation and improve overall health and well-being.
Eating right is a MAJOR factor in reducing inflammation. Sugar, processed foods, and fried things all make our cells hurt. Including anti-inflammatory foods such as vibrant vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in the diet can naturally reduce inflammation and help us feel and be better. Prioritizing a healthy diet is crucial in the fight against inflammation.
Ever meet someone who says if they don't exercise, their day is shot? Or, "I exercise to burn off the crazy?" They're on to something. Exercise helps release feel-good hormones but is also a space away from stressors. That means you don't have to spend hours in the gym to get a stress-relief benefit. Even simple movements and intentional daily activity can help.
You reduce stress while helping your body stay strong and fit, which also helps cut that inflammation. Find what works for you and enjoy the journey to feeling better.
Know what else feels great? Sleep. Sleep is awesome. Sleep is also key to cellular recovery, which helps in reducing inflammation. Gone are the supposedly Puritan days of proving your worth by sleeping less. Napping is cool again. Good sleep routines, watching how caffeine and alcohol affect you, and making sleep a priority are the best starting blocks for a healthy sleep habit.
When you're awake, look around. Your diet isn't just what you eat. It's everything you take in. It's the air you breathe. It's the water you drink. It's even the TV you choose to watch or the news you choose to read. Choose to reduce exposure to environmental toxins if you want to minimize inflammation. Opt for natural cleaning products, avoid smoking and secondhand smoke, and spend time in nature. Connecting with Mother Nature and grounding yourself can have profound effects on your well-being.
We have been doing this for a long time, and we still have days where we remind each other of some of these things. Because
we're spirits on an amazing human journey. Health is our goal, and this journey has brought significant results. Join us as we embrace stress reduction techniques, build healthier lifestyles, and share kindness with OURSELVES as well as others.
Find us inside the WildFree Health community, where you'll find a wealth of information and a supportive community of like-minded women on their health journeys.
Until next time, cheers to a healthier you!
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