Stress Makes a Mess

It’s difficult not to become overwhelmed once in a while. Between juggling work, study, family and other commitments, we often race from one activity to the next, feeling stressed and anxious.

Chronic stress is associated with every chronic disease. It wreaks havoc on your sleep, digestive system and it lays the foundation for inflammation. We need to accept that there will always be some form of external stress in our life and that what’s actually important, and the only thing we have control over, is our response.

In my work as an Integrative Nutritionist, I teach people that stress isn’t only emotional. Often people say they don’t feel stressed, when in fact, their body is communicating with them in a myriad of ways; through weight loss resistance, digestive issues, skin flare-ups and headaches. These are all warning signs that your body is under stress. Nutrient deficiencies, insulin spikes and unmanaged autoimmunity all initiate a stress response in the body.

Our digital addiction is also causing huge amounts of stress. I encourage my clients to weave a digital detox into their weekly routine. Nature has a powerful ability to get us grounded and activate our parasympathetic nervous system. When we are able to deactivate our “fight or flight” mode, we replenish energy stores, digest our food properly and lower inflammation

Do you ever feel like your mind is going a million miles an hour and you just need to slow down? Mindfulness techniques can definitely help. This simple practice helps by directing your attention to the present moment and helps to manage your stress response. The upside is improvements in your physical health, increased happiness and lowered depression and anxiety. It also enhances brain function which is critical for performing at your best.

I will train you in the art of mindfulness, simple breathing techniques and meditation, leading to improved memory, reduced stress and worry, increased creativity and concentration.

Other key strategies for managing stress are daily movement, hot Epsom salts baths and whole food that suits your unique body. A balanced diet will elevate your mood. Reaching for the sugar is a short-term fix and a long-term fail.

Stress is our friend; it presents an opportunity for growth. Life is not about avoiding stressful situations, it’s about being able to handle them, it’s being resilient, it’s being able to have great stress tolerance.