The Surprising Effects Stress Can Have On Your Body

Chronic stress can affect our entire body, from the cardiovascular system to the digestive.
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It's not just in our minds; it's a whole-body experience.
I've witnessed firsthand the profound impact that stress can have on our physical and mental well-being.

Just some of the ways stress can manifest in the body include:
 Insomnia
 Chest pain
 Head / muscle aches
 Oxidative damage
 Increased cortisol levels (your stress hormone)

Let's dive deep into learning effective ways to manage stress:

MINDFUL BREATHING: Practicing deep, mindful breaths can help calm your nervous system and lower stress hormones. Increased cortisol levels can cause hypertension and impaired immune function.

NOURISH THE BODY: A balanced diet with plenty of fruits and veggies can fortify your body against stress. Antioxidants in your diet help combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation.

REGULAR EXERCISE: Get those endorphins flowing! Physical activity is a fantastic way to manage stress and boost your mood. It works by increasing the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, which regulates mood.

PRIORITIZE SLEEP: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep every night to recharge your body and mind. Stress can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to a vicious cycle of sleep-related stress.

CONNECT & SHARE: Don't be afraid to talk about your stress with friends, family, or a therapist. Sharing your feelings can be incredibly therapeutic. Stress affects social connections, potentially causing isolation and exacerbating emotional distress.

SELF-CARE RITUALS: Treat yourself to self-care activities like massage therapy, meditation, yoga, or a relaxing bath. These practices can help reduce the activation of the amygdala, the brain's fear center, which is overstimulated during stress.

Remember, stress isn't always a bad thing. It's a natural response that's helped humans survive for centuries. However, chronic stress is where the trouble starts.
If stress is overwhelming you, send me a DM to start your journey back to health. 
Looking for more help with stress?

Then I invite you to join my brand-new digital course, Foundations. During this course I will hold your hand to reset your mind, body, and gut… because EVERYTHING is connected. If you're local I invite you to schedule a self-care session such as massage therapy or a wellness service that you are resonating with at my office in Waconia MN. 

If you’re interested, you can learn more HERE.
Foundations starts January 22nd. I hope to see you there!