Monthly Newsletter- May 2025
Can you imagine life without stress? Neither can I. If stress were an Olympic event, I’d have a gold medal hanging around my neck. In today’s world, endless triggers—from family feuds to headline horrors- find us all. Some people float through life looking Zen, but chances are, they’ve either trained themselves to handle it or are terrific actors.
Our bodies are wired to deal with stress. When sudden danger strikes (like a dog charging at you), your adrenal glands pump out adrenaline and noradrenaline, shifting your body into fight-or-flight mode. This boosts your heart rate, energizes your muscles, and puts digestion on hold (because that peanut butter and jelly sandwich can wait when survival’s on the line).
But here’s the catch:
Chronic stress keeps those hormones flowing—and that’s bad news. Constant cortisol spikes can strain your heart, inflame your vessels, mess with your memory, and wear you down. Over time, unchecked stress damages your body and mind.
Good Stress
Not all stress is evil! Good stress keeps you motivated, sharp, and creative. Think about facing a deadline, planning a big move, or balancing multiple responsibilities (hello, my life right now). Good stress energizes you without dragging you into exhaustion.
Science backs it up: short bursts of stress can boost memory, cognitive performance, and even immunity. Good stress helps you grow, create, and achieve your goals. The key? Learn to ride the wave without wiping out.
The Gut-Brain Stress Connection
Believe it or not, your gut joins the stress party too. The gut-brain axis—our body’s internal hotline—plays a significant role in how we experience stress. Here are some gut hormones worth knowing:
- Ghrelin (“Hunger Hormone”) – Rises with stress, driving cravings for comfort foods.
- Corticotropin-Releasing Factor (CRF) – Alters digestion, sometimes triggering IBS symptoms.
- Serotonin (“Mood Stabilizer”) – 90% is made in the gut! Stress depletes it, impacting mood and digestion.
- GLP-1 – Regulates appetite and blood sugar, but stress throws it off balance.
When stress hijacks these hormones, your appetite, sleep, and energy can spin wildly out of control. But knowing the players helps you take back control.
Eight Stress-Management Strategies
To keep stress from turning you into a frazzled mess, try these tips:
- Eliminate or Reduce Stressors: Set boundaries. Say no more often. Disconnect from the news when needed.
- Eat Plant-Based: More fruits and veggies = better mood and resilience. (Shoot for 7+ servings a day!)
- Prioritize Sleep: Aim for 7–9 hours of restorative sleep.
- Practice Meditation and Mindfulness: Fifteen minutes daily can reset your mind.
- Exercise: Boost your endorphins with brisk walks, yoga, or any activity you enjoy.
- Try Yoga: Strengthen your body and soothe your mind.
- Use Deep Breathing: Try the “4-7-8” technique to calm your nerves.
- Seek Professional Help: Don’t hesitate to talk to a counselor if stress feels overwhelming.
Final Word
Stress isn’t going anywhere, but you can change how you deal with it. Embrace good stress, manage the bad, and use these tools to stay balanced, healthy, and resilient. Take a deep breath, load your plate with veggies, and know you’ve got this!
For more details, check out chapter 7- Lessening Stress in my book, “FEARLESS Wellness: Transforming Your Life One Step at a Time.”