As we welcome a new year, many of us set goals to improve our health and well-being. While nutrition, sleep, and exercise often take centre stage, it’s crucial to focus on another pillar of health: managing stress. Stress is a common part of modern life, yet few truly grasp the toll it takes on our bodies and minds. The Healthy and Natural Journal estimates that 70% to 80% of GP visits are for stress-related conditions - a staggering statistic that highlights its importance.
What Is Stress?
Stress can be categorised into two main types: acute stress and chronic stress. At its core, stress is our body’s survival mechanism, triggering the “fight or flight” response when we perceive a threat. This reaction helped our ancestors survive by either fighting off danger or fleeing from it. Imagine being confronted by a predator like a lion; stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline would kick in, providing the energy and focus needed to escape.
Acute Stress
Acute stress is short-term and can even be beneficial. When your body enters “fight or flight” mode, your heart rate increases, breathing quickens, and glucose is released to provide fuel. Non-essential systems like digestion temporarily slow down, and your brain sharpens its focus. This heightened state helps us respond effectively to immediate challenges.
However, once the threat passes, the body returns to balance. For our ancestors, that meant going back to gathering food and resuming normal activities. Today, acute stress might arise from a looming work deadline or a missed train but typically resolves once the situation is handled.
Chronic Stress: The Modern-Day Dilemma
In contrast, chronic stress occurs when stressors persist without relief. Unfortunately, our bodies don’t differentiate between life-threatening dangers and modern pressures, such as work deadlines, financial concerns, or juggling family responsibilities. This constant activation of the stress response wreaks havoc on our health.
Compounding the issue are modern lifestyle factors: inadequate sleep, diets high in processed foods and sugar, and the ever-present demands of technology. Over time, chronic stress can lead to burnout and serious health issues.
Symptoms of Chronic Stress
If stress becomes a long-term companion, elevated hormone levels can cause various physical symptoms, including:
Digestive Issues: Stress slows digestion, leading to bloating, cramps, and conditions such as GERD. Eating on the go or during stressful moments exacerbates these issues.
High Blood Pressure: Elevated stress hormones increase heart rate and blood pressure, which, over time, can raise the risk of heart disease and stroke.
High Blood Sugar Levels: Stress triggers glucose release to fuel the body. While this is useful in emergencies, it can lead to sugar cravings and excess glucose storage when you’re sedentary, potentially increasing the risk of diabetes.
Starting the Year with Health in Mind
This new year, consider making stress management a key part of your wellness plan. Simple changes such as mindful eating, prioritising sleep, and setting aside time for relaxation can make a significant difference. By managing stress effectively, you’ll not only feel better day to day but also set yourself up for a healthier, happier year ahead.
Take the First Step
If stress is taking a toll on your health, you don’t have to face it alone. Reach out to schedule a consultation with me today, and together we’ll create a personalised plan to help you manage stress and reclaim your well-being.
Let’s make 2025 your healthiest year yet!
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