3 Powerful Adaptogenic Herbs to Boost Vitality and Overcome Emotional Exhaustion
Nurses and Moms Know: There is a Link Between Emotional Exhaustion and Mental Health
In the fast-paced world of healthcare, nurses stand as pillars of support and compassion, dedicating themselves to the well-being of others. Behind our unwavering care, however, lies a silent struggle: Emotional Exhaustion. Statistics reveal a stark reality — approximately 44% of nurses worldwide experience emotional exhaustion, a phenomenon exacerbated by long hours and the relentless demands and expectations of the profession, our patients, and the healthcare system itself. (1)
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The Reality for Nurses
Emotional exhaustion isn't only related to work-induced stress. It's a gateway to mental health challenges like depression and anxiety. Studies point to a bi-directional relationship, where chronic stressors and overwhelming workloads contribute to emotional exhaustion, which, in turn, heighten the risk of experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety. It's a vicious cycle, one that demands intervention but often doesn’t get our attention until we’re in a bad place.
The Challenge for Mothers
Mothers experience similar issues with emotional exhaustion as we navigate the delicate balance of caring for their families while often neglecting our own needs. According to a survey conducted by the American Psychological Association, about 42% of mothers report feeling overwhelmed or emotionally exhausted due to the many responsibilities that come with caring for children. (2)
The Impact on Mothers with Jobs and Businesses
For mothers who work outside the home, the challenge is even more pronounced, with the demands of juggling career responsibilities on top of caregiving duties. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Family and Economic Issues found that 60% of working mothers reported feeling emotionally drained from trying to balance work and family responsibilities. (3)
No matter how strong or resilient we might want to be, the pressures of round-the-clock caregiving and managing household responsibilities often take a toll on mental and emotional well-being.
And if you’re working as a nurse who also happens to be a mom, and/or cares for aging parents? It might seem impossible to fill your own cup first, let alone find where you put it last!
All jokes aside, the impacts of emotional exhaustion reverberate beyond the confines of the workplace and home. Physiologically, it triggers dysregulation of the stress response system as well as inflammation, mirroring pathways implicated in depression and anxiety.
Moreover, when we’re emotionally exhausted, our coping mechanisms become impaired, leaving us vulnerable and ill-equipped to navigate life's stressors without feeling like we’re in survival mode.
These struggles then bleed into the home life, making it challenging to interact with and care for family, because it feels like everyone is clamoring for our attention. We can’t give from an empty cup.
Popping Pills from Big Pharma isn’t a Panacea
While some may turn to conventional medicine to relieve the stress, the solutions offered can sometimes feel like a band-aid on a bullet hole. Anti-depressants and benzos might seem like magic pills when they’re promoted by your provider, but they come with their own set of drawbacks and side effects, including loss of affect, nausea, headaches, suicidal thoughts, and dependency, to name only a few.
On top of that, there’s the dreaded gaslighting when we reach out for help: Being told by your provider and/or family and/or supervisor that it's all in your head… which, let's face it, is about as helpful as wearing a windbreaker in a tornado. Or being told that you have to take a pharmaceutical because the natural remedies don’t help, even though you KNOW that’s more aligned for you.
The good news, however, is that nature has potent plants to re-invigorate our systems.
Revitalizing with Adaptogens: Nature's Supportive Allies
For hundreds of years, cultures around the world have relied on a particular class of herbs that offer a gentle yet powerful solution: adaptogens. These remarkable herbs, including Korean Ginseng, Ashwagandha, and Eleuthero, have been revered for centuries for their ability to enhance resilience to stress and promote overall well-being.
Unlike traditional stimulants, adaptogens work by modulating the body's stress response, helping to restore balance and vitality without causing jitters or crashes like caffeine and drugs can.
Incorporating adaptogens into your daily routine, whether through herbal teas, tinctures, or supplements, can provide a safe and sustainable way to replenish your emotional bandwidth and cultivate inner strength. (4)
Navigating Herbal Support Safely: Partnering with the Pros
Before I share more about these awesome herbs, a word of caution: you are not a DIY project. I’m all about empowering ourselves to make positive changes, but when it comes to herbs, it's smarter to team up with the pros. That means chatting with a trained naturopath or herbalist. They're like the herbal wizards, seriously. They'll help you figure out which herbs are best for you. It's like having a personalized roadmap for your wellness journey. So, before you hop on Amazon and drop a wad on a bunch of different products, reach out to the pros and let them guide you toward the right herbs for your situation. Your body and wallet will thank you!
Along those lines, keep reading for a special offer below…
3 Adaptogens to Revive your Vitality and Ignite your Energy*
*These statements are not approved by the FDA, CDC, NIH, Jimmy Kimmel, or CNN.
Korean Ginseng
Korean Ginseng, also known as Panax ginseng, is famous for its invigorating properties and its role in enhancing overall well-being. Fun fact: "Panax" means "all-healing" in Greek, indicating its broad-spectrum health benefits.
This powerhouse herb supports the stress mechanism by regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which controls stress hormone production. It can also help you kick your caffeine addiction! (5)
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha, often referred to as "Indian ginseng," is a gentle adaptogen known for its ability to enhance vitality and support the body’s stress response by promoting a sense of calm and balance.
Fun fact: its name in Sanskrit means "smell of the horse," which signifies its traditional use to impart strength and stamina. “Strong as a horse” as the saying goes! Ashwagandha helps to modulate cortisol levels, meaning it increases our bandwidth for whatever life throws our way. (6)
Eleuthero
Eleuthero, also known as Siberian ginseng, is renowned for boosting energy and resilience to stress. This herb has been a staple in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Fun fact: Soviet cosmonauts, athletes, and factory workers used Eleuthero to enhance physical performance and endurance.
Eleuthero works by supporting the adrenal glands, which play a key role in how we react to stress. A study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology demonstrated that Eleuthero can improve cognitive function and reduce fatigue, making it an excellent herb for maintaining mental and physical vitality. This is especially critical for healthcare workers on 12-hour shifts. (7)
It IS possible to reclaim your vitality
Emotional exhaustion is a challenging hurdle, but with the right support and natural remedies, you can reclaim your vitality and well-being. Whether you're a dedicated nurse, a hardworking mother, or both, acknowledging how you feel and incorporating natural adaptogens into your routine can make a significant difference in your emotional bandwidth and ability to care for yourself and others. Remember, it's essential to seek guidance from a professional to ensure you're using these powerful herbs safely and effectively.
I’m here for you!
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Disclaimer: This blog is for educational and informational purposes only. Information presented in this blog should not be construed as a claim or representation that any procedure or product mentioned constitutes a specific cure, palliative or ameliorative for any information discussed. This blog is not a substitute for medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment; it is recommended that you see a primary health care provider for that service.
References
(1) Qin N, Yao Z, Guo M. The role of bidirectional associations between depression, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion on turnover intention among nurses: a multicenter cross-sectional study in China. BMC Nurs. 2023 Oct 3;22(1):350. doi: 10.1186/s12912-023-01516-1. PMID: 37789287; PMCID: PMC10548568. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10548568/
(2) Hubert S, Aujoulat I. Parental Burnout: When Exhausted Mothers Open Up. Front Psychol. 2018 Jun 26;9:1021. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01021. PMID: 29997543; PMCID: PMC6028779.
(3) Raza, H., Grzywacz, J.G., Linver, M. et al. A Longitudinal Examination of Work–Family Balance among Working Mothers in the United States: Testing Bioecological Theory. J Fam Econ Iss 42, 601–615 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10834-020-09747-z
(4) https://wholisticmatters.com/neuro-endocrine-immune-botanicals/
(5) ibid.
(6) https://wholisticmatters.com/ashwagandha-an-ancient-herb-for-modern-times/#
(7) https://www.researchgate.net/publication/12327477_Eleutherococcus_senticosus_Rupr_and_Maxim_Maxim_Araliaceae_as_an_adaptogen_A_closer_look