How to Optimize
Your Circadian Rhythm
When it comes to well-being, our biological clock reigns supreme! From a healthy night of sleep to organ function to productivity during the day, our internal clock is in charge of keeping things running smoothly. That biological clock is called our circadian rhythm, and we're here today to chat about how you can optimize your circadian rhythm to step into your best and healthiest self.
Ever had brain fog? It's quite possible your internal clock was off.
What Is The Circadian Rhythm?
So, what's the exact function of this 'clock'? Our circadian rhythm controls our sleep-wake cycle, which is responsible for releasing chemicals and hormones that tell us when to eat, digest, sleep, work, and even things like ovulate. These chemicals and hormones will affect mood, focus, and cognitive function. Ever had brain fog? It's quite possible your internal clock was off. Throughout the day, our biological clock is quite literally keeping us on schedule. It is a delicate act to handle the ebb and flow of our bodies each day - just another way the human body is incredible, right? And if you ever thought we didn't have a connection to this world, our chemical release, and internal clock is entirely in sync with when the sun rises and sets. Important note: your chronotype will dictate your circadian rhythm as an individual. It varies from person to person. Learn about your chronotype and how that might impact your daily flow here.
How The Modern World Impacts Our Circadian Rhythm
Many elements of the modern world cause conflict for our natural rhythm. Smartphones, processed food, high levels of caffeine, lack of exercise, and longer hours spent inside can negatively impact our internal flow. The examples are endless, and the more we partake in these habits, the more we lose touch with our natural rhythm. If you needed a sign, take this article as the aha! moment calling for more balance in your life. Our magical bodies rely on it!
Tips for Optimizing your Circadian Rhythm
You may have noticed, but at Prismatic Plants, we're all about natural solutions and doing what we can to help our bodies adapt. The impact of modern ways can feel heavy and demanding, but there are many things we can do to support our internal clock. Here’s a list:
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Get outside! And leave the electronics at home while getting some fresh air. Natural light will work to sync your mind and body up while providing essential vitamin D.
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Supervise your stress levels. Higher stress levels lead to chemical imbalance. Stress is like dominos. It starts as a feeling but can quickly manifest itself physically in your body. Exercise, nature walks, breathing exercises, and meditation all work to level us back out.
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Eat regularly and incorporate 'clean' foods when possible. Try to set a routine for eating meals and snacks to stabilize your blood sugar and metabolism. Avoid skipping meals or eating super late. When you can, pass on processed food + foods high in saturated fats - these things actively slow our 'clock' down.
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Prioritize healthy sleep. What is healthy sleep?! Less late nights and more regular sleep patterns. Try keeping your bedroom free of electronics to emphasize the idea of a quiet space. When you wake up, give yourself at least 30 minutes to wake up before checking your phone. We love Dr. Samer's tip to spend 15 minutes outside right when we wake up - this kickstarts our circadian rhythm and allows us to wake up naturally. Oh, and toss the habit of working from bed!
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Get a good sweat in! Delay or advance your clock with movement. Exercise is great for 1 million reasons, but here's another: strenuous activity in the morning typically makes us sleep earlier and wake earlier, and exercising later in the day can actually boost energy levels. Exercise is also known to increase productivity and focus during the day.
- Support your body with medicinal plants. Mother Nature gave us natural medicine for a reason! Impacts felt from modern stressors inspired our Good Day and Good Night tinctures, formulated to support our circadian rhythm rather than interfere with it. We said no to false energy boosts and interrupted sleep cycles because we knew that wasn't a long-term solution to feeling good in our bodies. Adaptogens and herbal medicine help us adapt and stabilize while healing from the inside out. Zero bandaids included, instead Prismatic Plants offers long term support to get you back on track naturally.
We like to think of this list as housekeeping for our bodies. Taking time to honor this balance can enhance our waking hours, leading to increased productivity and an improved feeling of well-being. It's a win/win situation!
Learn more about Good Day and Good Night here. Got questions? Email info@prismaticplants.com
