There are a number of seemingly small things we can do from home that can make big differences to our hormones, our cycles and how we feel throughout the month. Here are 5 simple and accessible ways you can give your hormones some love at home.
1. GET MORE SLEEP
If sleep was a supplement, everyone would take it. Getting enough shut-eye on the reg hosts a whole heap of benefits from boosting immune function, to supporting appetite & metabolism and helping to balance sex and stress hormones.
One benefit of staying home is more time to spend catching z’s.
Remember, when it comes to sleep, quality does matter—and getting good sleep starts with a solid nighttime routine. Think reading, essential oils, caffeine-free herbal tea, a salt lamp and a sleep supporting supplement such as Chill Pills.
2. GET CREATIVE IN THE KITCHEN
When we’re constantly racing from one place to the next, even our best intentions of nutrient-dense meals can quickly fly out the window.
Spending more time at home, and having more time in general can be a great opportunity to spend more time preparing and enjoying meals - hitting reset on old eating habits.
If you’ve read some of our other blogs, you’ll know that our hormones thrive on nutrient-dense whole foods, such as:
- Leafy greens;
- Cruciferous vegetables;
- Nuts & seeds;
- Quality sources of protein such as organic meat & eggs;
- Healthy fats such as avocado, olive & coconut oil;
- Fibre-rich fruit, starchy vegetables and gluten free whole grains.
Creating space to research and trial new ways of cooking these star players is a great way to add more go-to meals to your collection, and find new ways of serving the vegetables you once thought were a little naff. Tahini, avocado & kale salad anyone?
If you have the freezer space, taking time to stock it with pre-made wholesome meals is a sure way to give a helping hand to your future, busier self.
3. TRY SEED CYCLING
Seeds are packed full of nutrients and other nuggets of goodness that can help support your body to not only make hormones, but also use hormones and get rid of hormones (and other things) it no longer needs.
If you haven’t heard of seed cycling, it’s essentially the practice of eating certain seeds at a particular time in your cycle, to support the hormones that are running the show at any one time.
For example, flaxseeds can support healthy oestrogen levels, so would be best consumed during the first half of your cycle when oestrogen should be the dominant hormone.
4. START A MEDITATION PRACTISE
Think of meditation as the inside-your-brain equivalent of taking a moment to close all 84 of the tabs on your browser that you opened at some point, and are now just hanging around in the background being a little distracting.
It is the ultimate practise and tool for quieting your mind, reducing stress levels, and increasing self awareness—all of which have powerful benefits for both mental and physical health.
The word ‘meditation’ can feel a bit ‘woo woo’ or threatening, especially if you’ve never done it before—but the good news is that there’s actually a whole range of ways to meditate, and most of them have nothing to do with sitting cross legged or ommmmmm-ing.
Some of our favourite forms of meditation are yoga nidra, mantra meditation and even a meditative walk in the fresh air (yes that’s a thing—meditation can take on many different forms).
5. UP YOUR SEXUAL WELLNESS
Wellness is holistic, and a healthy sex life (whatever that looks like for you) is an essential piece of the wellbeing-puzzle.
Sex increases blood flow to the pelvic region, which helps deliver nutrients to the ovaries which in turn helps them to do their very important job. Orgasms (and the wonderful release of oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin that goes with them) also help to soothe stress & anxiety, support great sleep and balance hormones.
Studies have shown that women that get it on, on a regular basis, have more regular cycles and a higher incidence of fertility compared to those who don’t. While that second part is hardly surprising, it seems apparent that the relationship between healthy sex hormones and a healthy sex life goes both ways—a mutually beneficial relationship if you will.
Don’t underestimate the power of simple practices like the above to support yourself. Practice mindfulness and stress reduction. Eat nourishing food. Make time for the small things that help you feel your best.