Chronic stress is a major factor that inhibits the body’s natural ability to repair and self-heal.
All chronic illness is affected to some degree by sympathetic (nervous system) dominance which results in physical, emotional and chemical stress to your body.
By nourishing and supporting the nervous system with a holistic approach it is possible to shift the body back into a state of balance that is perfectly adept to heal.
Understanding how your body is designed to adapt to stress can be helpful.
An acute stressor, for example being chased by a dog, will activate your body’s fight or flight response, mobilising energy to your muscles, increasing your heart rate and respiratory output.
The adrenal glands produce adrenaline and noradrenaline, and cortisol levels rise.
This response is perfect for a short-lived experience but nowadays many people are dealing with chronic stressors, at work, at home, at school and with 24/7 living.
The body gets stuck in sympathetic overdrive which results in negative health effects – inflammation, acidosis, digestive complaints, malabsorption, hypertension, brain fog, depression and anxiety as well as lowered immune response.
This makes your body a perfect environment for a serious disease to take hold.
However, there is a lot you can do to influence and modulate that response.
Adjusting your internal environment will allow your body to invite back health and wellness.
It’s also important to be gentle on yourself, knowing that with chronic stress can come despondency and lethargy.
Seek out a health professional that can help you map out a detailed and comprehensive holistic plan. Here are some tips to get you started:
Be proactive and responsible for the direction of your health.
Change your diet, ensuring it is 95 per cent nutrient dense with an emphasis on plant-based whole foods and avoid unnecessary stimulants like caffeine, alcohol, sugar and energy drinks.
Identify and correct any nutritional deficiencies or malabsorption issues.
Release suppressed emotions (psychotherapy and counselling).
Increase positive emotions and thought patterns.
Relaxation techniques like meditation and yoga.
Intentional daily exercise improves quality of sleep and help release nervous energy.
If you think chronic stress is affecting your health, it might be a wonderful opportunity to employ some gentle and effective strategies to rebalance and reawaken your body’s innate ability to heal.
If you are unsure of how to begin or what changes you need, consult a qualified health professional for a personally-tailored approach.
