No matter who you are, you’re likely experiencing some level of stress right now.
A multitude of factors — overwork, political strife, lack of access to nourishing food, inequity, racism, multigenerational trauma, pollution and climate change — are causing most of us to live with the reality of chronic stress. The truth is, right now is an important time for all of us to be thinking about preventing, or recovering from… BURN OUT, also sometimes called adrenal fatigue.
But what does burn out actually look and feel like?
Weakness, fatigue, low appetite. A cloudy, uncertain mind. Wild sugar and salt cravings, followed by uncomfortable or painful digestion. A low desire to connect with your partner, and when you do, it’s unsatisfying. Damn.
You know something isn’t quite right. A friend suggests you have adrenal fatigue… could it be true?
What does adrenal fatigue even mean?
Your adrenal glands are small, triangular-shaped glands located on top of both of your kidneys that produce hormones to help regulate a wide variety of important functions in your body. What is often referred to as adrenal fatigue is a situation in which these adrenal glands are thought to function sub-optimally. However, from a Western standpoint, this condition cannot be diagnosed because it can’t be measured by conventional cortisol level tests. So very often, it goes undiagnosed, even ignored, by Western medicine. And yet, those who experience it know that it comes with a host of very real and challenging symptoms.
If you feel unseen in your experience…we get it.
Fortunately, the ancient healing science of Ayurveda, which operates using a system outside the confines of Western medical science, does not recognize the existence of the adrenals at all…it doesn’t need to. Our classical texts need not classify adrenal fatigue based on measuring cortisol levels from these glands. Instead, the classical medical texts of Ayurveda recognize the condition based on its causes and symptoms — we call it “ojokshay” or “low ojas”.
Ojas is the subtle essence of kapha, and is related to vitality and immunity in the body. According to the Charak Samhita, one of the seminal Ayurvedic texts, when the ojas is diminished a person becomes fearful, anxious, weak and uncomfortable, and develops mental fog, low libido, poor complexion and dryness.
Sounds a lot like “adrenal fatigue” — right?
Ojas is the superfine essence of that which gives structure to all bodily tissues, and is responsible for maintaining resilience and cellular immunity. Ojas can be compared to honey accumulating in a honeycomb in the way that it nourishes and bolsters the strength and sweetness within our bodies. Ojas acts as a protective barrier, creating a cushion to the outside world and maintaining the quality of the tissues.
In general, this subtle essence within us is damaged by anger, fear, worry, trauma, grief, exertion as well as excess vata dosha (ether and air elements). The Ayurvedic texts also mention that drinking alcohol, staying awake at night, infections and poisons (such as tobacco, coffee, white sugar, white flour, pesticides etc. in the modern context) are at the root of the problem.
The condition we call “low ojas” in Ayurveda is a rising issue because these particular stressors to our bodies and minds are also on the rise in our world today — as we are exposed to a more traumatic, faster paced world, as well as more screens, processed foods and chemicals. All of these stressors cause an imbalance in vata. What else causes imbalanced vata? Cold, rough foods, such as...believe it or not...salads with uncooked vegetables. These are all important factors to keep in mind as you rebuild your ojas (we’ll get into more solutions in a moment).
If it feels like all your powerhouse lady friends are in the same boat, here’s why…
Women are more prone to adrenal fatigue because of the of the degree of responsibility, and trauma, we currently hold as carriers of the divine feminine. Furthermore, feminine energy is not compatible with the stressful, fast-paced energy of our masculine world, and becomes deeply depleting over time. With all of the demands we expect ourselves to rise to as creators, nurturers, and multi-taskers, it is no wonder we’re burning out. Women may also be more prone to adrenal fatigue than men due to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, as well as being more prone to under-eating and internalizing stress.
So what do we do?
Eat an Ojas Building Diet
To increase ojas, and thus remedy symptoms of adrenal fatigue, you should first focus on eating a diet of well-spiced and well-cooked brightly colored vegetables, whole grains and complete proteins. Spice with cumin, coriander, fennel, ginger, black pepper, cardamom and cinnamon, and cook with plenty of ghee and coconut oil...as these will increase ojas as well as digestibility and assimilation of your food. Ojas is especially increased with wholesome, sweet foods such as basmati rice, dairy, almonds, saffron, mango, ghee and dates. You can access some key ingredients for cooking to enhance ojas here.
Hone Your Routine to Include Ojas Care
Integrate into your day a short ojas-building morning ritual. Begin with 5 minutes of meditation on water (ideally, gaze gentle at a body of water, but if that is not available to you, gaze at a vase or bowl of fresh water in front of you). Next, do 5 minutes of a calming pranayama such as nadi shodhan (“alternate nostril breathing”). Finally, end with 5 minutes of shivasana (“corpse pose”). All three of these simple self-care practices build ojas, calm the mind and nourish the senses.
Reduce Screen Time
Additionally, screen time and lack of sleep are two important causative factors when it comes to low ojas, so challenge yourself to turn off all screens (yes, even your phone) by 8 pm head to bed before 10 pm. After 10 pm, our minds and bodies become active again and it may be more difficult to sleep, so heading to bed before that time helps ensure a deep, restful night’s sleep.
Take an Herbal Supplement or Jam
Herbally speaking, a good place to start is with the Banyan Botanicals blend called Adrenal Nourish, which stars the adaptogen ashwagandha as well as important Ayurvedic herbs such as kapikacchu, brahmi, and guduchi. Ashwagandha, a renowned adaptogen, works to promote resilience, while kapikacchu, a natural source of L-dopa, supports the nervous system and the mind. This blend is quite balanced, and will improve ojas while bringing a grounded sense of focus and clarity to an overworked body and mind. It is important to note that while ashwagandha is an excellent herb for building ojas, it is quite heating so you should not take it alone, and certainly not during the summer months or if you are prone to pitta conditions.
Tulsi, or holy basil, is considered in Hindu mythology to be the Goddess in plant form. Tulsi is a calming botanical, and an important adaptogen that is great for building ojas. Combined with licorice root and spices, it is even more ojas nourishing, so try Tulsi Licorice Spice tea. You can also take tulsi in tincture form.
Finally, one of our favorite ways to take ojas building herbs is in the form of a nourishing Ayurvedic jam that rejuvenates the body, mind, and spirit, and replenishes ojas and prana — it’s called Chyawanprash.
Remember that it’s the small, sustainable shifts that make the biggest difference….so don’t be so hard on yourself, and integrate these practices when it feels right for you. Your wellness matters for the world — so just know, putting a little time and attention toward nurturing yourself is part of your contribution.
You are building the foundation —
let’s keep the momentum.
The way you care for yourself and others matters.
The systems that you put in place now will enable you to make a deeper impact long-term.
Think about this:
As we align our energy through the structure of a refined routine, we experience greater clarity and vitality to show up for what we believe in, which enables us to pursue our passions. We also experience more spaciousness for communication, collaboration and appreciation — all of which contribute to our ability to take thoughtful action and contribute to collective wellness. The more deeply connected we are with ourselves and our tools for radical self care, the better equipped we are to stay centered amidst the chaos and make a meaningful impact — without burning out.
We want to support you in taking the next step toward greater integration and accountability, so we something we think you’ll be into...
The Art of Work Life Balance:
Intentional Lifestyle Design for Purpose Oriented People
The Art of Work Life Balance is a dynamic three-part program that will invite you to live more intentionally and act more thoughtfully by nurturing yourself and others.
Rooted in Ayurveda, our wellness systems weave ancient wisdom for holistic healing into the modern context. We seek to ensure this powerful knowledge is accessible to all who desire to embark on a journey of renewal.
The purpose of this program is to support YOU to live a more balanced life through the ancient healing science of Ayurveda. It is packed with insights, inspirations and tools designed to support the deepening of your own personal wellness.
Self care is a radical act — when you are vibrant and awake, you have the clarity and energy to show up for what you believe in. Cultivate Balance provides Ayurvedic consultations, wellness webinars and workshops, Goodness Guides, and online wellness courses that support you to nurture yourself so you can nurture the world. Dive in with our FREE mini-course, The Basic Balance Challenge!
