- Chronic stress can significantly impact your physical health, including weight gain.
- Common stress triggers include work deadlines, financial stress, and family responsibilities.
- Relaxation techniques, social support, and exercise are effective ways to manage stress.
- Sleep disturbances are common in older adults, often due to stress and aging.
- Proper nutrition, including natural supplements like mushroom-based gummies and tinctures, can help reduce stress and aid sleep.
Let’s get real for a second—stress is something we all deal with. I know I have. And if you’re like me, trying to juggle work, family, and self-care all at once, it can feel overwhelming. Stress doesn’t just pop up out of nowhere; it sneaks into our everyday lives, leaving us tired, sleepless, and even confused about why those extra pounds won’t budge. But here’s the good news—you’re not in this alone, and there are ways to manage it that can make a real difference in how you feel. Let’s break down what stress is, what triggers it, and most importantly, how you can manage it—even with everything else on your plate!
What is Stress?
Alright, let’s start with the basics. Stress—what even is it, right? It’s your body’s natural way of responding to a challenge, whether that’s mental, physical, or emotional. Think of it as your built-in “fight or flight” system. When stress hits, your body releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline to help you tackle what’s in front of you. And in small amounts, it’s actually helpful! It gives you that little push to meet a deadline or power through a tough day.
But—and here’s the kicker—when stress sticks around for too long, it starts to mess with your health. And not in a small way. Constant stress means your body is on high alert all the time, and that can lead to all sorts of not-so-fun symptoms, from headaches to serious burnout. The good news? You can absolutely take control, and I’m here to show you how.
Stress Triggers
Ever notice how stress looks different for everyone? That’s because what stresses you out might be totally different from what stresses out your best friend. But usually, stress triggers fall into one of these three categories:
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Routine Stress
This is the everyday stuff—like hitting work deadlines, managing the household, and making sure everyone is fed, bathed, and happy. For busy moms (hi, that’s me!), it’s that constant feeling of juggling 101 things at once, trying to keep the balance between work and home. -
Disruptive Change
Big life changes—think moving to a new house or dealing with financial worries—can throw your routine off balance, ramping up your stress. Even good changes, like a promotion or a new baby, can cause stress because of the added responsibility. -
Traumatic Events
When life hits hard, like losing a loved one or going through a crisis, the stress can linger for a long time. These are the toughest to manage, but having a support system, whether friends, family, or a professional, can make all the difference.
How Stress Can Make You Sick
We tend to think of stress as “just” a mental thing, but trust me, it affects your body too. Chronic stress can cause physical symptoms like:
- Trouble falling or staying asleep (been there, done that!).
- Weight gain, especially around the middle (thanks, cortisol!).
- High blood pressure and a racing heart.
- Frequent headaches or tense muscles.
- Stomach issues like IBS or indigestion.
Sound familiar? If you’re nodding along, it’s time to hit pause and figure out what’s causing your stress. Because while stress is a normal part of life, it shouldn’t be running the show.
Signs and Symptoms of Stress
Not sure if stress is what’s really going on? Here are some signs to look out for:
- Feeling overwhelmed or anxious all the time.
- Mood swings or irritability.
- Fatigue, even after a good night’s sleep.
- Trouble focusing or making decisions.
If any of this sounds like you, it’s time to take action, friend. Because here’s the truth—stress is something you can manage with the right tools and mindset.
Related article: How Stress Affects Sleep
How Do I Manage Stress?
You might be thinking, “Okay, I get it, but how do I actually deal with stress?” Great question! While we can’t make stress disappear (wouldn’t that be nice?), we can absolutely manage it. Here are some simple ways to start:
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Get Moving
Exercise is like magic for stress relief. It lowers cortisol and boosts your mood. You don’t have to spend hours at the gym—even a 20-minute walk or some yoga can work wonders. -
Eat to Beat Stress
What you put in your body matters when it comes to stress. I’m all about clean, whole foods and adding in supplements to support your body’s stress response. Mushrooms like reishi or lion’s mane are awesome for this! You can add them into your routine with a daily tincture or a gummy (because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love gummies?). -
Break It Down
When you’re feeling overwhelmed, break down your stressors into smaller, manageable tasks. Stressed about finances? Make a budget or chat with a financial advisor to help ease that burden. -
Find Your People
Don’t underestimate the power of a good support system. Whether it’s grabbing coffee with a friend or having a heart-to-heart with your partner, surrounding yourself with people who “get it” is a total game-changer for lowering stress. -
Relax and Recharge
Take a few minutes each day just for you. Whether that’s deep breathing, meditation, or simply sitting in silence, creating space to relax can make a world of difference. Even 10 minutes of focused breathing can calm your entire nervous system. Give it a try—I promise you’ll feel the difference.
Related Article: How I Manage Stress with Reishi Mushrooms
So here’s the deal: stress is part of life, but it doesn’t have to control yours. By understanding what triggers your stress and taking small steps—like staying active, nourishing your body, and building a support system—you can start to feel more balanced and in control.
You deserve to feel calm and centered, no matter how hectic life gets. Start small, take it one step at a time, and trust me, you’ll start to see the change. You’ve totally got this!