Ain’t no time like 2020 for some self care. This delicious, chocolate and chaga smoothie for stress is packed with adaptogenic power. Superfood herbs like maca and ashwagandha give you a natural boost and aid in supporting adrenals.

Well, shoot. I sure wish it was easier to be super chill all the time. But 2020 hasn’t exactly been a stroll in the park. This chocolate and chaga smoothie for stress is great and all but let’s do some non-toxic housekeeping real quick.

Stress is bad. We all know that. Sure, we can survive stressful times but left untreated, chronic stress is a bad deal. If you’re feeling like you’re carrying around a load that’s too heavy, there are options! Counseling is so underrated and not talked about enough as a tool for life that’s truly life. Like, that you actually like. Surviving isn’t thriving.
I’m not a professional. Smoothies can’t fix stress. But food is medicine, and that’s an understatement. Food is better and the powerful plants in this one have worked for me.

What makes this Chocolate and Chaga smoothie specifically good for stress relief?

Chaga is an incredible adaptogenic herb highly regarded as an effective aid in our body’s ability to cope with stress and anxiety.

Cacao has long been shown to improve mood and Tryptophan in raw cacao is a natural anti-depressant. It helps you sleep better since it then transforms into stress protecting serotonin and melatonin.

But wait, there’s more! I feel like some weirdo trying to sell you on smoothies right now, suppose I am.

I have been taking ashwagahdha for about 5 months now and I’ve never had anything help as much as it does for stress. Is everyone in on this? Why have I not been taking it my whole life?? I add about two teaspoons to my smoothie everyday and can really feel a difference. I’ve taken the powder form in smoothies and the elixer dropper form and I can’t really tell a difference there either way. Both are good, just depends on personal preference. You get a lot more for your money with the powder and if you prefer to avoid alcohol, tinctures generally have grain alcohol as an ingredient. So just keep that in mind when you’re shopping.

During my pregnancy, I discovered Dandy Blend and talked about it all the time over on my instagram. Before I got pregnant the second time I had started drinking coffee and was kinda hooked. My midwife told me about some herbal coffee substitutes to try since I was missing my coffee ritual and I’m so glad I did. Not only is dandelion delicious and tastes a lot like coffee, it comes without all the harmful side effects of coffee, (don’t hate me) is 4 times higher in antioxidants and also helps detox the liver, therefore reducing swelling, constipation and lethargy during pregnancy. I love the dandelion in this smoothie for a little iced coffee flavor.

And let’s not forget maca! Maca is another superfood to try if you want more energy and is especially good for hormonal support and libido.

EXTRA TIPS FOR LOWERING STRESS

Again, I’m not a professional and there are some really great professionals out there who are worth talking to. If you can, it’s so worth it! Here are a few little things that help me in times of stress.

Get out in the Sun, better yet, spend as many working hours as you can outside!
I always feel better when I go to bed earlier and turn off my phone as the sun goes down.
Grab a piece of paper and do a “brain dump”. Get everything on your mind out on paper. Just having it all floating stresses me out.
Say NO. Some of us have been conditioned to believe that we can’t say no AND love well. That’s just not true.
Eat vibrant plant based food in abundance. Treat your body well.
Go on a date or just snuggle with your spouse.
Avoid energy suckers. In times of stress, stick around people who you feel supported and safe with and let the ones who belittle, judge, or otherwise treat you/others poorly go for this season.
Excersize in nature. Go hard. Breathe some wild air. Swim in the ocean. Get sweaty.
Put your phone in airplane mode.
Take a bath.
Declutter a whole room in your house.
Take a hard look at your calendar and uncommit to 5 things.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR CHOCOLATE AND CHAGA SMOOTHIE FOR STRESS

1. ALWAYS FREEZE YOUR BANANAS. Frozen bananas are what make the whole world go round as far as I’m concerned and you just can’t make a good smoothie without them. Wait until they’re ripe and spotty, peel them, and stick them in a large freezer bag or tray.

2. You’ll need more ice than you think. I like about 9 large ice cubes in this smoothie. Keep in mind, the recipe makes enough for two servings so half it if you’re just drinking it yourself.

3. Full disclosure, I use a Vitamix blender and I’m not sure how this recipe will turn out in other blenders. We like thick smoothies, you might need to add more liquid if your blender isn’t high powered.

4. Feel free to add some greens like a handful of spinach or some broccoli sprouts!

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