Keeping up with my Kortisol

Excerpt

Limited freedom does not limit freewill

Yes, I know that is not how you spell cortisol. I hope you all see what I did there. If not- I’ve exposed myself as chronically online.

Alright, let’s be real. Having free will without freedom takes an astronomical toll on the brain and body. Ever since my transition from being a working woman to a housewife, I have gained weight and lost sanity. Most of my time is spent being a couch potato, watching 30 second videos while paying zero attention to whatever’s on TV while everyone around me has a routine, financial independence, and something to call their own.

I started Existential PTO as a reality check and to create something that is solely mine. Majority of my blog posts will read like messy journal entries regarding my experiments to stay sane and healthy and whether they actually worked. As I attempt to motivate myself, I hope to motivate you as well.

My extensive social media scrolling (aka an online visit to the doctor. Thank you, healthtok) has taught me that cortisol might be the culprit for most of my demons. My anger, sadness, lack of movement, and mental stimulation equates to stress which shrank my attention span and expanded my waistline.

The good thing is, while my immigration process is uncontrollable, this, surprise surprise, is not. Stress management has drastically reformed my mental and physical health. Here are three things that worked for me that I highly recommend trying everyday.

See the sun. Every. Single. Day.

Bonus points if you see it within 30 minutes of waking up.

If you enjoy a morning coffee or breakfast, try to sit near a window with ample natural light. Better yet, go outside. Make this time device-free. I’m not there yet but I’m trying. If you are glued to your phone like me, read the daily news to replace the daily morning scroll. Soak in the sun and feed your brain the nutrients it craves.

If you enjoy slow mornings in your space, the sun isn’t up for just an hour. Take one of the many opportunities to go outside, even if it is for five minutes.

Walk.

Walking is wildly underrated. It is hands down the best way to stay in shape and boost your mood. The best part? The accessibility.

I’m not the biggest fan of the treadmill but luckily, I live in a walkable city. On sunny days, I get to kill two birds with one stone. Walking around has really helped manage stress, burn calories, and most importantly, pass time on those never ending days.

When the weather is gross, treadmills are a godsend if you have access to one. Add an incline to get your heart rate up. It’ll suck in the beginning but your waist, glutes and calves will thank you (and me) later. No treadmill? Walk around your house or apartment. Movement does not discriminate.

Yoga + meditation

If there is one thing I will always advocate for, it’s yoga. I will sing its praise until the end of time.

The effects it has on your nervous system are remarkable. Plus, while moving through yoga poses, you have to focus on your breath work and slow down. Regulate and strengthen yourself mentally and physically.

Bonus: being able to do cool, flexible people stuff. At this point, my party tricks are yoga poses.

Now, I know none of this is eye opening. I’m sure you’ve heard all this before. The challenge isn’t knowing, it’s implementing and sticking to good habits while mentally fighting battles no one sees.

Always remember, you will not be here forever.

It is frustrating to be in a place where it feels like most things are out of your control but this is temporary. Everything you feel is valid but don’t lose yourself in the process.

Once you’re back in rhythm and at a place you currently wish you were in, your independence will return. Take this time to work on goals you have been putting off while you have time. Whether you want to read a book a week or build an AI operated plane, start. Let me reiterate, your freedom might feel limited but your free will remains.

Make this a time you don’t regret.