Last updated on April 4th, 2023 at 10:37 am
If you have ever wondered how stress destroys health, you have come to the right place. In 2017, the CDC stated that by 2020, stress would be one of the most critical health issues for Americans. We are here, and it has been a very accurate prediction. While stress is a normal part of life, if it is excessive (and let’s face it, it’s probably the case for most of us) and we don’t learn and develop healthy ways to deal with it, the effects on our health will be devastating. Of course, this post will be full of easy and actionable steps on healthy ways to deal with stress.
Understanding what happens in the body when it encounters too much stress is essential. The adrenal glands are little walnut-sized glands on top of the kidneys. They are little powerhouses responsible for many functions in the body. Another way to think of the adrenal glands is that they are the body’s “emergency” system. When the body is under chronic (never-ending) stress, the adrenal glands are responsible for sending out and releasing cortisol into the bloodstream. Over time, the chronic output of cortisol into the bloodstream will weaken the endocrine system, digestive system, liver, and brain; and even slow down the thyroid.
9 Ways stress destroys health:
1. Chronic stress overworks the adrenal glands, leading to low DHEA, abnormal estrogen/progesterone ratios, and low progesterone, pituitary, and thyroid imbalances.
2. Stress increases the production of cortisol and wreaks havoc on the entire endocrine system – goodbye, robust metabolism.
3. Elevated cortisol decreases the liver’s ability to detox excess hormones, which leads to estrogen dominance, PMS, and menopausal symptoms.
4. Stress elevates cortisol production, which weakens the immune system. The adrenals are the “emergency” organs. Once triggered, the body enters a sympathetic mode known as “fight or flight mode.” The body now has to decide – do I want to save my life right now, or do I want to fight infection? The body will choose to “save your life.” This is often the cause of autoimmune disease.
5. Chronic stress elevates cortisol, which decreases T3 production and harms thyroid function.
6. Elevated cortisol decreases the amount of stomach acid produced. hen this happens, the body can’t use, absorb, or utilize the nutrients in your food. Read about the importance of digestion here and here.
7. High cortisol levels prompt the body to stop using fat as energy, leading to hypothyroidism and weight gain around the waist.
8. White blood cell production is lowered by elevated cortisol, making fighting illnesses or diseases much harder for the immune system.
9. Chronic stress increases insulin output, leading to insulin resistance and type II diabetes.
A fact of life is that we all encounter stress daily. But we all can mindfully and intentionally deal with stress in a healthy way. One of the best and most effective things you can do for your health and overall well-being is to take inventory of all the stressors in your life (physical, emotional, environmental, etc.) and start taking steps to reduce them.
My favorite healthy ways to deal with stress:
- Using essential oils daily to help manage stress is one of the easiest and fastest ways to make me feel better. Do you want to know why? Because your sense of smell is the only sense directly connected to the emotional brain. Moreover, when you smell an essential oil, it immediately makes you feel different.
- Exercise – but not too much. I enjoy long, leisurely walks, stretching, and rebounding.
- Spend some time in an infrared sauna.
- Disconnect from electronics and take a break from social media.
- Spend extra time outside in nature.
- Spend time with friends and family who encourage you and make your heart burst with joy.
- Plant a vegetable garden (or any garden, for that matter.)
- Make a meal using whole, nutrient-dense ingredients to support your body during stressful seasons to help build resilience.
- Increase your magnesium intake. When stressed out, the first mineral our body burns through is magnesium. I always recommend getting various kinds of magnesium when supplementing – I love Smidge Morning and Evening Magnesium (available on my Fullscript dispensary) and this liquid form.
- Practice saying no.
- Spend time coloring.
- Make meditation or quiet time a priority.
- Make yoga practices a priority.
- Treat yourself to fresh flowers.
- Read a book.
- Take a warm Epsom salt bath.
- Light a candle.
- Start replacing all your toxic skincare and house cleaning items with safer alternatives – I love Primally Pure, Beautycounter, Neil’s Yard Remedies, and Branch Basics.
These simple steps can significantly impact building resiliency when life’s stressors arise. It doesn’t have to be complicated – all you need to do is create space to do more of the things you enjoy – this will feed your heart and soul with happiness.
Disclaimer: This post is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and is for educational purposes only.
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I use DoTerra essential oils. If you’d like to purchase essential oils at wholesale prices, click here or email me if you have any questions or want more information.
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