Hello Again,
So it's been a minute since my first blog post. Trying to get in a rhythm of working on them, I have so much great information to share with you!!
The month of April has an awareness for several things, with one of them being Stress Awareness Month. Now we all deal with stress in one way or another, it's a natural part of life. Whether it's a looming deadline, a tough conversation, or even something as simple as getting stuck in traffic, stress triggers a powerful reaction in our bodies. While short bursts of stress can be helpful, heightening your awareness and giving you energy in a crisis. Chronic stress is a different story. One of the most significant ways it wreaks havoc is through its impact on our hormones.
When you are stressed, your brain sounds an alarm. The hypothalamus tells your adrenal glands to release stress hormones - primarily cortisol and adrenaline. This is often what is called the "flight-or-fight" response. Cortisol is the main hormone that helps your body to deal with stress. In small doses, it can release energy and focus. The problem is when you are constantly under stress, your cortisol levels stay high and that is when the problems start.
High cortisol levels over time can weaken your immune system, increase blood pressure, cause weight gain, and it can also lead to anxiety, depression or brain fog.
Cortisol also raises blood sugar levels to give your body a quick energy boost. But the problem is if you are always stressed, this can lead to insulin resistance, which is a precursor to type 2 diabetes.
Chronic stress may also slow down your thyroid, which can result in fatigue, weight gain and mood disturbances. This is because cortisol interferes with the production and conversion of thyroid hormones.
Cortisol and melatonin work in opposition. Cortisol should be high in the morning and low at night, while melatonin rises to help you sleep. If your cortisol remains high at night, it can make it hard for you to fall asleep and stay asleep.
The good news is you can manage stress and support your hormones with daily habits.
Exercising regularly not only helps with stress but is good for your heart and overall health. Just getting outside, breathing in the fresh air and taking a walk can help you to feel more calm and at ease.
Like I talked about in my last blog post, meditation has many benefits and reducing stress is also one of them. So practicing mindfulness with meditation or breathwork helps to reduce stress.
Getting quality sleep and eating balanced meals, rich in whole food and healthy fats are also important in managing stress and supporting your hormones. Try to limit caffeine and sugar as well since they actually make hormonal imbalances worse.
Also connecting socially is important and you should always seek support when needed.
Our bodies are a complex, interconnected system and hormones are its messengers. When stress becomes chronic, it disrupts the communication, leading to a cascade of health issues. The key is not to eliminate stress completely, as we all know this is not possible, but to manage it wisely. By recognizing the signs and taking steps to manage it, you can protect your health and improve your overall well-being. Remember, self-care isn't selfish - it's essential ❤
Wishing you health & happiness!!
Until next time,
Jen