How to Chill the Fuck Out (without wine!)
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I get a small commission if you make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. However, I only recommend products I use and love.
In my late 20’s, I started experiencing occasional anxiety, and at times pretty bad insomnia. As a result, I became a pretty regular nightly wine drinker. It helped.. until it didn’t.
Fast forward to me now in my 30’s. I’ve found having a glass of wine in the evening to relax has actually become counterproductive. Yes—alcohol gives you some quick relief if you’re feeling on edge and can make you sleepy.. but it actually worsens anxiety once it wears off, because your body produces more cortisol as a result, in an attempt to create homeostasis. Even ONE glass of wine affects the way your brain processes memories, which freaks me out, and alcohol really messes up your sleep. So, in my ongoing mission for wellness, I found some healthier ways to calm the fuck down in the evenings, both after work and before bed.
Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, so you should seek a doctor’s opinion before trying these products if you are pregnant or if you have any concerns. I am sharing these over the counter products because they have worked very well for me. 🧘
#1 CBD 🌱
CBD (short for Cannabidiol) has been a real game changer for me. I don’t like THC because I don’t like feeling high. CBD on the other hand, relaxes me without any psychoactive effects.
I’ve tried a variety of products.. including pricey capsules from Charlotte’s Web and this elegant gold CBD pen from Pellequr. I like both, but my favorite CBD product hands down has been these gummy bears by Green Farm which I buy through Groupon. They are shipped to my apartment which is super convenient. Personally I choose the Clear Bears 5000mg option (no sugar coating) and I eat anywhere from 2-4 bears a night as part of my evening wind down. They’re really delicious too, it’s hard to only have a couple!
#2 Mushroom Cacao Drink 🍄
A few years ago I learned all about the health benefits of various types of mushrooms from the founder of Four Sigmatic on a podcast, and came to view them as a true superfood. Not to mention they are delicious!
For relaxation, you’re going to want a product with Reishi—a rare mushroom that grows at the base of deciduous trees. Some people claim that Reishi mushrooms can boost the immune system, fight cancer, and relieve symptoms of many other health conditions, including stress.
The product I love is Mushroom Cacao with Reishi by Four Sigmatic. It does not taste anything like mushrooms, it tastes similar to hot chocolate but less sweet. I either mix it with water or whole milk depending on my mood that day and drink it hot, which makes it extra relaxing before bed. (Obviously it’s richer with whole milk.)
I find everything about this drink just as relaxing as a glass of wine, but without any of the negative side effects of alcohol.
#3 Magnesium 💊
I got this tip from my Mama. 💖
There is a serious magnesium deficiency crisis going on among adults in the US, according to wellness influencer Chervin Jafarieh, who I heard on my favorite podcast recently.
You specifically want to get Magnesium L Threonate, and here’s a link to purchase the exact one I buy from Amazon.
“Magnesium is a mineral that's crucial to the body's function. Magnesium helps keep blood pressure normal, bones strong, and the heart rhythm steady. Experts say that many people in the U.S. aren't eating enough foods with magnesium.” (Source)
Aside from all the other health benefits, magnesium can make you sleepy.. so I take 2 capsules right before bed. Just be careful, if you take too much it can give you a tummy ache 💩.
BTW, magnesium is a better option than melatonin because it’s not habit forming. Plus I’ve heard that when you take melatonin supplements, your body stops producing it naturally, which is no good.
That’s it! I hope you found this post helpful, especially if you struggle with stress, anxiety or insomnia. What do you think of health & wellness blog posts like this? Leave your feedback in the comments section below!
x, gretchen
Psst.. are you sick and tired of figuring out what to cook or order for dinner every night?
I was so over it. I tried Blue Apron and Hello Fresh, and I loved the convenience of the meal kits... but they were so expensive, I just couldn’t justify it. Then I found Dinnerly.
Click here to get a free box from Dinnerly - on me!
Dinnerly has allowed me to take the guess-work out of dinner completely, and quit grocery shopping — which felt like a huge waste of my precious time. But what really sold me on this particular brand is the price. I still can’t believe that Dinnerly meals are only $4.99 per person per meal, and they are literally the exact same thing as Blue Apron and Hello Fresh. (I’m talking the same exact chicken with the same packaging from the same vendor.)
I’ve been using the Dinnerly kits to make dinner for myself and Ham 3 nights a week for the last year, since we started living together. So I can vouch for them that the quality is consistent. In addition to being super affordable, they have so much variety and the meals are incredibly tasty. They have options for vegetarians, pescatarians, as well as low-calorie and low-carb. The meals are pretty healthy and balanced too — you know we eat clean and are a very health conscious couple. Plus you can make them a bit healthier depending on what type of oil you cook with, how much butter or ghee you use, and how much salt you use.
You know I don’t recommend any brands or products that I don’t absolutely love, and I recommend Dinnerly to all my friends.
Related Posts
I’m a Brand Designer and Strategist living in NYC. 9 years ago I quit my job to start this business, and now I’m here to help you do it too! I specialize in helping established female millennial entrepreneurs transform their brands.. to attract Dream Clients and grow their businesses, so that they can make more money, be their own bosses and live the life they deserve!