I hope you are able to take some time on this Autumn Sunday to look after yourself. This month I am focusing on the impacts of stress as I notice in practice that it’s the thing that most affects our health goals, particularly for mums juggling everything but stress also actually causes illness too so it needs to be addressed as a priority.
Chronic stress can affect our entire body, from the cardiovascular system to the digestive. It's not just in our minds; it's a whole-body experience.
As a naturopath specialising in functional medicine, 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)
This week, let's dive deep into learning effective ways to manage stress:
1️⃣ 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.
2️⃣ Nourish Your 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.
3️⃣ Exercise Regularly: 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.
4️⃣ Prioritise 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.
5️⃣ Connect and 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.
6️⃣ Self-Care Rituals: Treat yourself to self-care activities like meditation, yoga, or a relaxing bath. These practices can help reduce the activation of the amygdala, the brain's fear centre, 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. 💌
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