Stress can be Scary…
Hello Dear Ones,
It’s Spooky Season, and stress has been coming up a lot recently. Not only have I personally been feeling it, but in the course I’m teaching about lifestyle medicine, a huge focus is always on stress because it impacts us all and causes a lot of major problems.
First, did you know that 80% of all doctor visits are related to stress? And 85% of all chronic illnesses can be traced back to stress as well. (These are scary statistics!)
We all know chronic disease is a big problem in the world, especially in the United States. It’s also largely preventable. And unfortunately our healthcare system isn’t addressing it. Stress isn’t usually what people come to me for, but it’s always something we talk about because it’s deeply interconnected to our health and well-being.
Think about the last time you were experiencing a high level of stress. How did it show up in your body? Were you tense, tired, anxious, hungry, or have a headache or an upset stomach? What was your mood like? Lastly, how did it impact the rest of your life: did you still sleep well, did you exercise, what did you feel like eating, did you drink or smoke more?
Everyone feels stress on regular basis. It’s important to have a plan for how to deal with it positively so it doesn’t wreak havoc on your system.
I’ve talked about simple stress management before in this newsletter. Now I’d love to add some new ideas.
Research shows that when our stress response begins, it will stay activated until we do something to calm our nervous system. It’s a cycle. If we don’t complete the cycle and stay activated, we’re at risk for experiencing chronic stress, which increases the inflammation in our bodies and can lead to major issues, including chronic disease.
So here’s the top strategies that Drs. Emily and Amelia Nagoski recommend in their book Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle:
Physical activity
Breathwork
Laughter
Affection
20 second hug
6 second kiss
Cuddle with a pet
Big ol’ cry
Creative expression
That said, so much of our stress also has to do with our personal perception of it. We have the power of our mindset to let things roll off or to make a mountain out of a molehill.
In the past two weeks, we’ve had multiple things break in our home, needed new tires, had work issues and deadlines, and I’ve had speaking engagements, client appointments, and networking events where I needed to be fully present and stress-free.
There were hard moments for sure, but overall, my outlook and belief that everything will work out as it’s meant to have kept me from throwing in the towel and remaining stressed. I have also used intentional energy and stress management strategies to make sure I was caring for myself well so I could show up authentically for the things I have on my plate right now.
What are the warning signs for you that you’re feeling stressed? And how do you care for yourself when those warning signals arise? Most importantly, how do you view the stress when it arrives in your life?
If you don’t have a clear plan for stress management, but you’re feeling curious and would like to take steps to create a plan, let's talk. I’ve got four spots open for clients in my 100-day program right now to get you started feeling more grounded, peaceful, and relaxed.
Thanks for being here with me on this journey. I’m grateful for each of you.
With love and kindness,
Jessica
P.S. The fun thing I’m doing to take care of myself right now is so much walking! We take our pup on walks every day, but right now, it’s the absolute best. With the leaves changing and the fall temperatures finally making an appearance, I’m feeling extremely motivated to take several walks a day. (Physical activity is the number one way to complete the stress cycle too, so that’s another epic motivator!)
P.P.S.
I’m currently working on a certification program to work with people with disordered eating, emotional eating, and binge eating habits. I’m currently looking for clients who struggle with their eating to be a part of my case study for this program. If you or someone you know is interested, please reach out.
Come see me at one of my upcoming speaking events:
October 23rd 630-730 pm I’ll be at Anoka Hennepin speaking about Energy Management:
Could you manage your energy similar to how you manage your money? Yes!
In this interactive talk, you'll learn the six surprising areas of your life that are seemingly unrelated to health and burnout but hugely impact how your brain and body function at work and home.
Participants will be able to reflect on what refuels their energy and what depletes it. You will learn strategies that prevent burnout and ensure your health bank account is overflowing with abundant energy reserves.
Sign up here: https://ahschools.ce.eleyo.com/course/10620/adult-fall-2023/new-balancing-your-energetic-bank-account
November 13th 630pm730pm I’ll be talking about Setting and Maintaining healthy boundaries at Anoka Hennepin:
In a world that demands constant connectivity and multitasking, maintaining a healthy balance between our own needs and the demands of others has become more crucial than ever.
During this engaging session, we will explore the art of establishing and maintaining boundaries, both with ourselves and in our interactions with others.
You will gain the tools to navigate life's challenges while preserving your well-being through a blend of practical guidance, real-life examples, and interactive discussions.
Sign up here: https://ahschools.ce.eleyo.com/course/10621/adult-fall-2023/new-creating-and-maintaining-healthy-boundaries
