Stress Response and the Art of De-Stressing
Stress…
A word we all use on the daily to describe strain or pressure that quite literally is a series of physiologic responses called the stress response. Any number of triggers can threaten your sense of security or safety: work, family, finances, caretaking, etc. The stress response is a beautiful thing, that in all honesty we cannot live without. The problem is when there is TOO MUCH or a CONSTANT state of stress our body starts to suffer.
During a stressful trigger, a hormone called cortisol is released it sends a message to the body to respond to the stress by increasing blood pressure, blood sugar, and inflammation. It promotes "quick" energy and healthy immunity. It gives us a serious survival advantage. However, the daily stressors of modern living can deliver dose after dose of the cortisol hormone and this causes us to get too much of a good thing. We experience chronic activation of the stress response, which is NOT GOOD!
Sustained elevated cortisol levels wear on the body in several ways: slows healing time, impairs digestion, impairs metabolism, and interferes with endocrine function and immunity. Need I say more? All of this can lead to sleep disruption and cause major hormone imbalances.
As women, we have an incredible capacity to push and push all the time. It often becomes a habit to continue to put ourselves through the enormous daily demands day after day. Whether we are aware of it or not, we stop listening to the needs and messages of our body. In effect we are putting ourselves and our health on the back burner while taking care of everyone and everything else. And we "self-reward" in unhealthy and unproductive ways: a plate of cake, three glasses of wine, online shopping spree.
Take a step back. It can be challenging to reset and get out of the "stuck in the on position," but it is POSSIBLE. The first step is recognizing what is happening, and then you can put into action ways to stop the cycle.
The stress is there....it's really not going anywhere (if we are being totally honest). It's how we adapt and respond to the stressors that is going to give us the ability to live a more healthy and balanced life. Yes, avoiding unnecessary stress is a really good first step, but also adding "stress busting" activities to your life is how you can counteract the daily stress response your body is experiencing.
Give yourself permission to examine what activities de-stress you and schedule the time to incorporate them into your daily life. Taking a hot bath, practicing yoga or meditating, and immersing yourself in a creative outlet are all effective ways to de-stress. Getting into nature (without my phone) is always my go-to first step towards de-stressing and resetting.
Are you concerned about what toll constant stress might be taking on your body? Need support navigating out of a constant stress response? We are here to help! There are actually wonderful supplements and products available that help your body adapt and heal to stress of busy life. (hint: adaptogens!)
Don't hesitate to reach out if you would like to partner with our team to improve and prioritize your wellness.
Nurture Women's Health and Fertility
831.515.7078
Email Dana: Dana (at) nurturesantacruz (dot) com
About The Author
Dana Ramsey is a Certified Nurse Midwife and has spent the past 15 years helping women navigate their gynecology, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopausal challenges. Dana is dedicated to helping her patients overcome conditions impacting their ability to conceive and maintain a successful pregnancy.
