Online Functional Medicine For Chronic Stress Management

Conifer, CO

A major factor in your ability to have a body and mind that works well is the effect stress has on you. It is doubtful that you can avoid stress in your life, and we don’t recommend you go looking for it. Since stress is inevitable, how you manage it is crucial. There are 2 kinds of stress: short and long‒term. It’s the long‒term stress that is so destructive.🌪

Dr. Terry knows that stressful situations and poor lifestyle choices can lead to physical pain and mental anguish that is cumulatively stored in your body. De‒stressing is an effective way to prevent your bodily systems from becoming overwhelmed and under‒supported. Feeling overwhelmed, overworked, or overburdened in life? Discover holistic stress management in Conifer, CO to restore your balance and energy. ☀️

What is Stress Management?

It is reversing chronic stress that leads to poor health and a vicious cycle that gets harder to improve with time. Taking steps to relax and focus on more productive ways to deal with life’s challenges, including improved lifestyle habits, makes a huge difference.

You can get relief from stress and its myriad manifestations from our team at The Energy Remedy. We can help you feel like yourself again.

The Impact of Long‒Term Stress

Stress comes from more than just emotional strain ‒ it can be physical, too. From hidden infections to harmful foods, long‒term stress triggers the release of cortisol, a hormone that can wear down the body over time.

Constant stress can drain your energy, leaving you feeling tired even after rest.
Ongoing stress increases blood pressure, putting extra strain on your heart and raising the risk of heart-related issues.

Stress can cause muscles to tighten, leading to chronic aches and pains, especially in the neck, shoulders, and back.

Long-term stress disrupts hormones, affecting everything from mood to metabolism and reproductive health.

Stress can worsen skin conditions like acne, eczema, or psoriasis, as cortisol triggers inflammation.

Cortisol can cause blood sugar to rise, increasing the risk of developing insulin resistance or diabetes over time.

Stress slows the body’s ability to recover, making it harder to heal from injuries or illnesses.

Digestive disorders, bloating, and constipation are often linked to chronic stress.

Stress diminishes your ability to focus, remember details, or think clearly, which can impact daily life and work performance.

Dr. Terry is here to guide you toward better energy and well-being. Take the first step toward a healthier, more active life—we’re with you all the way.

How Stress Affects Cortisol Levels

Cortisol is a hormone that plays a key role in how your body responds to stress. Ideally, cortisol levels should rise in the morning to help you wake up and decrease at night to promote sleep. However, when stress becomes chronic, it disrupts this natural rhythm and can have several negative effects on your health.

Here are some ways that prolonged stress can affect cortisol levels:

Increased Blood Sugar

Chronic stress can lead to consistently elevated cortisol, which raises blood sugar levels and may contribute to insulin resistance over time.
Impaired Immune Response
High cortisol levels over an extended period can weaken the immune system, making you more susceptible to infections and illnesses.

Weight
Gain

High cortisol can lead to increased appetite, especially for unhealthy foods, and promote fat storage, particularly around the abdomen.

Sleep
Disturbances

Disrupted cortisol levels can interfere with sleep patterns, leading to insomnia or poor-quality sleep, which further compounds stress.
Anxiety and Mood Disorders
Chronic stress and high cortisol are linked to increased feelings of anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders, affecting your overall mental health.
Memory and Concentration Issues
Prolonged stress can impair cognitive functions, making it difficult to concentrate, remember information, or make decisions.

Hormonal
Imbalances

High cortisol can disrupt the balance of other hormones, affecting reproductive health and leading to irregular menstrual cycles in women.
Managing stress is essential for restoring healthy cortisol levels and supporting overall well-being.

FAQs About Destressing

Small amounts of short-lived stress that you choose are quite beneficial to your body. Long-term stress due to emotional trauma, chronic physical stressors, and life situations are very damaging. Measure your adrenal hormones, support your body’s ability to manage stress with supplements, and engage in healthy stress-reducing behaviors.

Recognizing stress early is key to managing it effectively. Common signs include irritability, difficulty concentrating, changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, and physical symptoms like headaches or muscle tension. Being aware of these signs can help you take proactive steps to address stress before it escalates.

Nutrition plays a significant role in managing stress levels. A balanced diet rich in whole foods, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats can support your body’s response to stress. Avoiding excessive caffeine and sugar is essential, as these can lead to increased anxiety and mood swings. Staying hydrated is also important for maintaining energy levels and overall well-being. There are a few extremely effective supplements to help counter the effects of stress on your body.

Yes, several types of exercise are particularly effective in reducing stress. Aerobic activities like running, swimming, or cycling can boost endorphins and improve mood. Yoga and tai chi combine gentle movement with mindfulness, promoting relaxation and mental clarity. Even short walks in nature can help clear your mind and alleviate stress.

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