The Science Behind Stress: What Happens in Your Brain and Body
Stress is one of those unavoidable emotions that we don't necessarily love, but when managed it can actually be really great for us.
The World Health Organization defines it as "a natural human response that prompts us to address challenges and threats in our lives. Everyone experiences stress to some degree."
Stress, when lasting for a short time, can help us boost professional performance. It increases alertness and motivation, as well as allowing our recall and memory to be at its peak. We need it to help us build resilience and it gives us spurts of focus and attention.
This builds our confidence to take on other potentially stressful tasks. Most of us have been in the scenario of a professional deadline or trying to land a big client. That type of stress is where stress helps us succeed and thrive.
It's when it becomes "chronic", and long-lasting, that it becomes problematic.
Credit: GIPHY
In this post:
What is Stress
Chronic Stress Response
Adrenaline
Cortisol
Women and Men Stress Experience
Chronic stress is when our stress response does not stop, you consistently feel pressured and overwhelmed and just can't turn that feeling off.
Our bodies are not built to handle this type of stress and so when it isn't taken care of it can have enduring effects that manifest in many different and unexpected ways.
Initially, when faced with stress your adrenal glands are triggered to release adrenaline and cortisol. Adrenaline increases your heart rate, elevates your blood pressure, and boosts energy supplies, while cortisol, the primary stress hormone, increases sugars (glucose) in the bloodstream.
Credit: GIPHY
Cortisol is essential to many processes, like regulating your sleep and wake-up cycles and aiding your metabolism, among others, prolonged elevation can be detrimental. It disrupts almost all of your body processes and can lead to various health issues such as anxiety, depression, digestive problems, sleep problems, weight gain, memory and concentration impairment, and heart disease. This list is not exhaustive so you can probably see the damage that, when left unchecked, stress can cause.
Credit: GIPHY
AND it's not only physical! Chronic stress can decrease our cognitive performance and rewire the brain leaving us even more vulnerable to anxiety and depression.
Research suggests that men and women experience stress differently. Women are more likely to experience stress and tend to report physical symptoms associated with it like an upset stomach and headaches. Stress levels for women are also reported as on the rise.
Women also tend to be more likely to engage in social and professional support for stress management, which is incredibly beneficial.
(Here are a couple of articles if you want to dive deeper into the different ways men and women experience stress: WebMD, NIH, APA)
Credit: GIPHY
As professionals, it's essential to acknowledge that taking care of our gut health is not just about dietary choices; it's also about how we manage stress, balance our lifestyle, and tune in to our body's needs. By being mindful of this connection, we can make informed choices that enhance our work efficiency, foster better workplace relationships, and lead to a more fulfilling professional journey.
The journey towards managing stress and improving gut health is not just a path to personal wellness; it's a strategic move towards enhancing professional performance and achieving a healthier, more balanced life. As we continue to navigate the challenges of our professional worlds, let's keep this vital connection in mind and strive for a holistic balance that benefits both our minds and our bodies.
Credit: GIPHY
Understanding these physiological and psychological responses to stress highlights the importance of effective stress management strategies.
Simple practices like mindfulness meditation, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and a balanced diet can significantly mitigate these stress responses.
Additionally, cultivating a strong support network and seeking the help of professionals when needed can be essential in managing stress.
Don't start 2024 with 2023's stress. As a high-achiever stress is an unavoidable aspect of life. Let's build quick and effective ways to manage and balance stress so that you can thrive in the new year.
———————————————————
I empower high-performing women to overcome stress and achieve peak performance and well-being, through tailored strategies that fit into their hectic lives. It's all about turning everyday stress into success and optimal health.
*If you want some effective ways to float through this holiday season you can download my free resource here. *
Book a discovery call if you would like to learn more about private 1:1 coaching to optimize your stress management techniques, enhance your health through nutrition, and elevate your overall performance and well-being in both personal and professional spheres. Click Here to Book Now!