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Could stress be your #1 issue?

Stress levels are at an all-time high. As a result of this, most health professionals agree that we are facing a health crisis that has the potential to yield serious health and social consequences for years to come.

According to the American Psychological Association, 75% of adults report experiencing moderate to high levels of stress and nearly half report that their stress has increased in the past year.

75% of adults that feel stressed report that there are aspects of their life that are negatively impacted as a result of this stress.

75% of adults that feel stressed report that there are aspects of their life that are negatively impacted as a result of this stress. And, nearly two in five adults report that when they are stressed they can’t bring themselves to do as much.

What is stress?

Stress is a natural physical and mental reaction to life experiences. Everyone experiences stress on a daily basis to varying degrees. Anything from everyday work and family responsibilities to serious life events like a new health diagnosis, war or the death of a loved one can trigger increased stress levels.

Top causes of stress

Finances

Work + job stability

The economy

Relationships

Health challenges

Housing

Nervous system

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) controls involuntary processes like heart rate, digestion, and breathing. Stress can cause an imbalance between the two branches of the ANS – the sympathetic (arousal) and parasympathetic (relaxation) systems. Chronic stress can lead to an overactive sympathetic system, resulting in a constant “alert” state and a decreased ability to relax and recover.

Cognitive function

High levels of stress can negatively affect memory, concentration and decision-making abilities. Prolonged exposure to stress can even cause structural changes in the brain, particularly in areas related to learning and memory.

Neurotransmitters

Stress can alter the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemical messengers play a crucial role in regulating mood, sleep, appetite and other bodily functions. Imbalances in neurotransmitters can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.

Gastrointestinal system

Intense or extended stress can cause constipation, increase acid production (which can lead to the formation of ulcers), alter the balance of gut-bacteria, decrease nutrient absorption and contribute to or worsen inflammation in the GI tract. Stress is also a significant trigger for IBS and can worsen symptoms of pre-existing gastrointestinal conditions.

Immune system

Chronic stress can suppress the immune system, making you more susceptible to infections and illnesses. It can also exacerbate existing health conditions, gastrointestinal issues, and cardiovascular diseases.

Reproductive system

Stress can lead to alterations in the levels of sex hormones, such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and luteinizing hormone (LH). These hormones play a crucial role in regulating reproductive function, including menstrual cycles, ovulation, and sperm production. High levels of stress may also lead to sexual dysfunction and decreased libido.

Aging

Stress significantly impacts the aging process and can accelerate the appearance of physical signs of aging. Chronic stress triggers the release of stress hormones, such as cortisol, which can damage cells, including those responsible for maintaining skin elasticity and collagen production. Additionally, prolonged stress may contribute to the shortening of telomeres, the protective caps at the end of our chromosomes, which are associated with cellular aging and age-related diseases.

Nervous system

Cognitive function

Neurotransmitters

Gastrointestinal system

Immune system

Reproductive system

Aging

BUT, before you begin to stress over the effects of your stress, there is good news - research shows that there are ways to naturally improve your ability to respond to stress.

How stress-resilient are you?

The first step in any health journey is taking inventory of where you're currently at. Take our 5-minute quiz to learn more about your personal stress resiliency and get immediate results that will provide insight into your current state, as well as provide simple recommendations you can implement to improve your score.

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