All Stress is Interconnected
Whether you're dealing with a tight deadline at work, an emotionally draining situation, or intense physical exertion, your body’s response is extremely similar. Your nervous system reacts to all stress the same way by activating the sympathetic nervous system, also known as the “fight or flight” response. This is incredibly helpful when you’re in real danger, but the problem occur when you're always in this state.
Mental stress, like worrying about the future or feeling overwhelmed by to-do lists, triggers the same physiological responses as a physical stressor, like over-exercising or lifting heavy weights. And don't forget emotional stress—things like relationship issues or unresolved trauma—which equally strains the system. All these types of stress flood the body with stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which, in the short term, serve to keep us alive but in the long run, can cause significant damage.
The Importance of Healing the Body as a Whole
Because the body treats all stress the same, healing from chronic stress—especially if it has impacted your gut health—requires a whole-body approach. You can’t just focus on one area of health, like food, and expect everything to magically improve. Stress impacts your entire system, so taking a holistic approach to healing is key.
If you're dealing with constant stress, one of the first things you need to do is incorporate movement that helps calm the body, rather than further fuel the stress response. High-intensity exercise, like HIIT, running, or heavy weight training, can be extremely beneficial for some people. But if you're in a state of chronic stress, these types of workouts can actually put more strain on your adrenal glands, leading to burnout. This is because high-intensity workouts stimulate the release of cortisol—the exact thing you're trying to reduce.
Instead, focus on low-intensity movements that calm the nervous system and allow your body to shift out of "fight or flight" and into the parasympathetic state—the “rest and digest” mode. Activities like yin yoga or restorative yoga can be a game-changer. These gentle, slow movements help the body relax and promote a sense of calm. Nature walks, deep hip stretches, or even simple grounding techniques (like walking barefoot in the grass) can also help calm the mind and body. Another great at-home movement is placing your legs up the wall, which can calm the nervous system and improve circulation without overexertion.
Beware of Overstimulating Your System
It’s also important to be mindful of certain practices that, while beneficial for many, might overtax your system if you're already stressed. For example, things like saunas or cold plunges are popular for improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and aiding recovery, but if your body is already in a chronically stressed state, these activities can add to your stress load.
Saunas raise the body’s internal temperature, which forces the body to adapt to heat stress, while cold plunges do the opposite, putting the body into cold stress. For someone who is constantly in "fight or flight," these additional stressors can tip the scales and leave you feeling more depleted rather than rejuvenated.
How Healing Stress Helps Restore the Gut Microbiome
When you begin to help your body shift out of the "fight or flight" mode and into a more relaxed state, amazing things happen. Your gut microbiome begins to restore itself. With less stress and a stronger parasympathetic response, your digestion improves, allowing your body to absorb the nutrients it needs to thrive. Reducing inflammation in the gut can not only improve your digestion but also help you feel less bloated, less anxious, and more balanced overall.
As a bonus, many people find that reducing stress and healing their gut also helps them shed those stubborn last few pounds, as the body no longer holds onto excess weight for protection. You’ll also notice that you handle stress better throughout the day because your body is no longer operating in a constant state of emergency.
Final Thoughts
When dealing with chronic stress, it’s important to recognize that the body doesn’t differentiate between physical, mental, or emotional stress—it treats them all the same. That’s why a holistic approach is essential when healing, especially when it comes to restoring the gut. Incorporating calming, restorative practices into your daily routine, reducing high-intensity workouts, and finding ways to stimulate the vagus nerve can all help bring your body back into balance, allowing you to feel better physically, mentally, and emotionally.
