The Hidden Impact of Stress
We are living in an accelerated time. Science has literally proven that time has sped up! A complete rotation around the sun was clocked at less than the “normal'' 24 hours. We as a collective are going through massive change and transformation that has never been seen before. Stress is amplified — everyone is feeling it and is impacted, therefore it is critical to support our bodies, minds, and health.
Stress: The missing link…
You may feel like you’ve been doing all of the things perfectly in order to be healthy and vibrant, yet still feel like something is missing with respect to healing and unlocking radiant health… If so, I understand, as this was me for a long time before I understood the impact of stress on my health. In 2018 I was diagnosed with Stress-Induced Hypothalamic Amenorrhea, which translates to an absence of a menstrual period. I was prescribed synthetic hormones but there was never any conversation around lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, nor stress. Determined to heal naturally, I did everything I could to create radiant health. I was drinking green juice and making green smoothies, exercising, meditating and spending time in nature… I felt like I was doing everything to create radiant health, yet I felt completely exhausted, stressed, and overwhelmed, so far from radiantly healthy. It then became clear that my stress levels were at an all time high, and so began my obsession with discovering all I could about stress; ways to alleviate it, release it, and cope with it.
Stress is a fascinating concept I have loved exploring and feel it is of utmost importance to discuss at this intensified time where stress is at an all time high. I am excited to dive in and share a few things I have learned and as well as a few of my favorite ways to support my body and mind when I experience stress. The more you know and understand stress and its impact, the more you can take aligned action to heal, release it, and create radiant health for yourself!
Understanding the Physiology of Stress
To truly understand the impact of stress in your life, I feel it is important to illuminate the physiology of stress. The nervous system is categorized into two parts: the Central Nervous System and the Peripheral Nervous System. Anatomically, the brain and spinal cord comprise the Central Nervous System. The Peripheral Nervous System includes the nerves, parts outside of the CNS, the Somatic Nervous System and the Autonomic Nervous System. The Autonomic Nervous System has two branches: the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS), also referred to as the fight/flight response, and Parasympathetic Nervous System (PSNS), sometimes referred to as the rest/digest mode.
Evolutionarily, the stress response system was designed to keep us safe and alive. When a perceived threat in our external environment is detected, our sympathetic nervous system, the fight/flight response, is activated. This activation triggers a release of cortisol and adrenaline, stress hormones designed to mobilize us into action — to fight, flee, or freeze. When danger is perceived stress is high, signaling the energy and resources of the body to be devoted to ensuring survival. Blood is shunted to the heart and extremities, and away from the digestive system, reproductive system, and other internal organs not foundational in our survival. When we are in fight/flight, the body’s primary focus is survival, not health nor healing. In our modern day, we experience more stressors and stress than is healthy.
Understanding the Impact of Stress on your Health
Stress is the body’s natural response to challenges and demands. In small doses, it can actually be beneficial, giving us the drive and energy to achieve deadlines or overcome challenges. However, when stress becomes chronic or present in excess, it creates a whole host of issues which can lead to a multitude of health issues. As you well know your health encompasses the physical, energetic, mental, emotional, and spiritual foundations. Everything is interconnected and impacts everything else. Stress doesn’t just impact your physical body but every other foundation of your wellness:
Physical Health — Chronic and excess stress affect every system in your body. It contributes to digestive issues, a weakened immune response, accelerated aging, inflammation, disease progression, and fertility health issues. Stress-related physical symptoms include: thinning hair, brittle nails, and persistent fatigue.
Emotional + Mental Health — Stress impacts your mental and emotional well-being. It can heighten anxiety, depression, mood swings, and overwhelm. “When emotion is high, intelligence is low.” The emotional impact of stress impedes your ability to focus, make empowered decisions, and maintain healthy relationships.
Energetic + Spiritual Health — Chronic stress disconnects you from your true essence, leaving you feeling disconnected from your power and potential. This can cause you to feel stuck, unfulfilled, and out of alignment with who you know you are designed to be.
How to Overcome Stress and Reclaim Your Health:
I. The Power of Awareness
Awareness is the catalyst for change and transformation. It is a key that unlocks healing. Once you see something, you cannot unsee it. As you bring this powerful tool of awareness into your life, you will become aware of the levels of stress in your life, the stressors, and the impact of stress on your health. This is a foundational part of the process to minimizing, releasing, and coping with stress. It also cultivates your stress resilience.
Steps to Create more Stress Awareness:
Stress Level — Become aware of your current stress levels in the various areas of your life (ie. health, family, work, finances, relationships, etc.). You can rank each area of your life on a scale of 1-10 (1 = low/minimal stress and 10 = high/excess stress).
Stressors — List the current stressors in your life. Once you become aware of these stressors, you see them differently which changes your relationship to them. Then see how you can eliminate some or find creative ways to transform them.
Plan — Design a Stress Support Plan by listing all of your favorite self-care and stress relieving activities (movement, nature, breathwork, etc.). This aligned plan will allow you to navigate the stress with more grace as you will have something to refer to when you feel stressed. Remember, when stress and emotions are high, intelligence is low. So your mind may not be proactively seeking ways to release and reduce the stress, rather it may be amplifying it by focusing on the stressor, situation, etc. that is why having a supportive plan in place will guide you back to center.
II. Support your Mind + Body:
Nourish Your Body: Focus on vibrant living fruits and vegetables, quality hydration, and supplementation to support your body’s stress resilience. Also, eating more frequently, or what is called “adrenal snacking,” will greatly rejuvenate your adrenals and support your body’s stress response and resilience.
Master your Mind: Develop a supportive mindset through techniques like NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), identity work, and visualization. Reframe negative thoughts and cultivate gratitude. So much of the excess stress we experience stems from our minds. As we nourish our bodies and master our minds, we become stronger and less impacted in the face of stress.
Process your Emotions: Unprocessed emotions, just like stress, accumulate in the body and cause stress. It is essential that we recognize that emotions are simply “energy in motion.” Practices like EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) and relaxing breathwork support the release and processing of emotions and stress, creating nervous system regulation.
Spend Time in Nature: Spending time in nature is an incredible way to help the body release stress. The air in nature contains negative ions, which helps dissipate the positive charge in our bodies that has developed from being surrounded by wifi, radiation, and our devices. Nature is so grounding for your body; it promotes calm, regulates the nervous system, and alleviates stress.
Movement: Exercise has been scientifically proven to complete the stress cycle, preventing burnout and overwhelm. Moving your body changes your physiological state which changes your mental and emotional states, thus reducing the stress you feel.
Meditate: One of my favorite ways to release stress from the present and also the past, because your body stores stress in the cells, fascia, and tissues! Meditation cultivates presence, awareness, and resilience. It has been proven to increase your productivity, enhance your energy levels, and regulate your nervous system.
III. Supplements to Support Stress Resilience:
I've included 4 of my favorite supplements to support your health and resilience to stress! These will nourish your adrenals and nervous system, which are foundational in healing and creating radiant health! I've linked my preferred supplement company, as the quality and form of the supplement are imperative (I highlight this more in my course “Foundations of Supplementation”).
Ashwagandha — Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, meaning it helps the body adapt to stress and promotes balance. It can help reduce the body's stress response by regulating cortisol levels and supporting adrenal function. It can promote a sense of calmness and relaxation without inducing drowsiness.
Lemon Balm — known for its calming properties; Lemon Balm reduces stress, eases anxiety, soothes the nerves, and promotes relaxation.
Magnesium Glycinate — Magnesium plays a crucial role in regulating the nervous system and promoting relaxation. Magnesium Glycinate may help reduce stress, anxiety, and promote better sleep quality by calming the adrenal glands.
Vitamin B12 — B12 is essential for the maintenance of healthy nerve cells, nervous system support, and the production of neurotransmitters. Adequate B12 levels support cognitive function, mood regulation, and stress relief + resilience.
Thank you for being here, I am so grateful. I love being on this journey with you!
