Stress. Anybody have that? Or do you just blow it off or even brag about how you’re coping and handling so much stress?
But really, are you handling it?
Are you having any of these symptoms?
- Brain Fog
- Fatigue
- Aches and pains
- Sugar Cravings
- Bloating, constipation, cramping
- Trouble breathing
- Hair falling out
If so, these can be physical symptoms of stress. So maybe you’ve just been ignoring the warning signs. And maybe your symptoms worsen during stress. That’s common.
Stress can affect what you eat … whether or not you exercise … and how much and how well you sleep …your weight and keeping off weight…blood sugar levels….emotional health…mental health….
And it affects your health contributing to and worsening chronic health issues including autoimmune and gut health disorders.
Why?
Partially due to the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system, 2 parts of our autonomic nervous system which controls our involuntary or automatic responses like breathing, heart, digestion, etc.
When you’re stressed, the sympathetic nervous system kicks in so you can “get away” from the stress – your body doesn’t know it’s not a tiger you’re running away from. So your heart rate and blood pressure increases, your digestion slows down, blood goes to your arms and legs so you can escape. And you obviously are not calm.
That’s what your parasympathetic nervous system does – it’s the relaxed and peaceful part of your nervous system. And this is where you want to live most of the time. It’s like the car’s brake pedal so you can slow down.
Guess where most of us live the majority of the time?
With the sympathetic nervous system racing. It’s like your car’s gas pedal is floored and you’re at high speed!
So do you see why you’re having those symptoms? And why they worsen during stress? And why your health is deteriorating more and more. Plus, if you already have autoimmune or chronic health problems, you don’t feel better. (NO amount of medicine or even eating a daily salad can help long-term if your stress level is that high all the time!)
So what can you do?
* Identify where your stressors are and set boundaries for yourself. Say no or get help. (You are not “Captain Save the Planet.” You cannot do it all and still remain healthy!)
* Pick one stress management technique from the following:
- Gratitude journal each morning or at night
- Getting outside in sunshine 15 minutes
- Deep breathing (4-7-8 or 5-5-8 techniques: do 5 times)
- Finding joy or something to laugh at each day
- Better nutrition such as eating one extra veggie or piece of fruit each day
- Moving each day – even if it’s just 10 – 15 minutes
- Looking into adding supplements – multi (including Vitamin B-6), Omega-3 (fish oil), zinc, Vitamin D and C (but check with your medical practitioner first)
- Prayer and devotion each day (even just 5 minutes)
We all have stress in our lives. We will never be totally stress-free. But we can learn how to manage it better which does help decrease those symptoms as well as improve our overall health and outlook. And remember you CAN do this. You don’t have to keep on like you’ve been.
But you do have to make the choice to change. One step at a time. Try one technique this week and see how you feel.
If you’d like help in reducing your stress symptoms, reach out to me. I’m Leah Cheshire and as a health and wellness coach, I work with women who have stress, weight issues, fatigue, autoimmune and thyroid issues, and pain. We use nutrition and lifestyle modifications in small steps to help decrease the stress and symptoms while improving their energy and joy. Contact me here for a free 20-minute consult.
