Let's talk about STRESS baby...

We have all heard that long-term stress is not healthy for us and in a world where you can be reached at any time of day and the to-do lists never seem to end, it can be helpful to incorporate stress reduction strategies into the everyday life. Some effects of chronic or ongoing stress include:

• Activating our sympathetic nervous system (“fight or flight”)

• Releasing more cortisol in our body which can be fine short term, but long-term or chronic elevations of cortisol can increase the risks of many health conditions 

• Increasing the risk for dementia

• Impairing our ability to learn and remember information 

• Increasing our risk of hypertension, heart disease and strokes 

• Increasing muscle tension and headaches 

• Causing GI upset

• Causing abnormal menstrual cycles and increase PMS 

So often we don’t even realize that our bodies have stayed in the sympathetic nervous system state. Practicing relaxation strategies often can help ensure that we are giving our bodies appropriate “rest and digest” time aka being in the parasympathetic nervous system state. When we are in the parasympathetic nervous system, our bodies are able to relax and digest food better. One of the beautiful things about relaxation strategies is that most are free and you can do anywhere. Below are some of my personal favorites!

• Deep breathing (some people find box breathing helpful, others like 4-7-8, while others find 2 inhalations followed by a long exhale to be the most beneficial; do what feels right to you- just make sure it’s coming from your belly to get the diaphragmatic effect of the vagus nerve activation)

• Adequate sleep 

• Movement 

• Going outside for a walk and spending time in nature 

• Journaling (I like following Andrew Huberman’s daily prompts which include: 5 gratitudes, plans for the day, any fears/resentments, things to watch out for and things to strive for). I find that when I do this I feel more resilient and adaptable during the day 

• Meditation/mindfulness 

• Insight Timer is an app that I enjoy (and free) 

• Having a therapist (this is something I started this year and I will never go without again; look into your employee benefits, some companies will provide this to their employees)

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. Please seek a medical professional for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Do not delay medical advice or treatment because of something you read on this website.