Stress Happens!
The Coronavirus pandemic has definitely magnified the stress in most people’s lives. Marriage stress. Financial stress. Stress of the unknown.
But what is the greater impact when it comes to your health? Stress (to the body) is a form of chronic inflammation. This is the reason stress is linked with chronic disease and can even trigger autoimmune conditions like hyperthyroidism or lupus.
Stress can be good.
Most people don’t know but stress can be good! You see our bodies are equipped to handle stress. Acute stress as in here, gone, done. The fight or flight response. If we didn’t have this, we’d be dead a long time ago. Stress, in the short-term, is actually protective.
- Stress causes hormones like cortisol to knock on the liver’s door
- The liver stores sugar but when the body is stressed, the liver may dump sugar into the bloodstream
- Sugar acts as a quick energy source for times of danger
Chronic stress… not so good.
The problem? In the present day, danger is not running away from a bear. Instead, it’s the bills or work. So, the sugar signals insulin and the body ramps up for storing mode. Add some drive-thrus and late night snacking in the mix, and the stress becomes the cherry on top. Eventually, this can lead to worsening insulin resistance.
Your body is not designed to handle chronic (stress that happens over and over). Yes, the Coronavirus has been stressful but this may go beyond the current pandemic. Think about your daily life.
- Bad sleep
- Rushing, being late
- Worry over your children
- Angry at your job
The Chronic Stress Cycle
Chronic stress signals a cascade of hormonal malfunction. More stress leads to more stress hormones.. which leads to spikes in blood sugar .. which leads to spikes in insulin and fat storing .. which ultimately leads to insulin resistance. And we’re right back to all those nasty symptoms like energy cashes, cravings, and weight gain. Not to mention ongoing, uncontrolled high blood sugars.
Time to get off the hamster wheel of life. How can you reduce the stress in your life?
- Speak to your boss
- Call your sister
- Schedule a therapy appointment
- Go for a walk
- Take a bubble bath
Do what you need to do to end this harmful cycle. Your body will surely thank you.!
“Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live in.”
-Jim Rohn
Need a coach to help you navigate through the stressful times and obstacles that come your way. I can help with that. Book a call!
