Resources When You're Stressed

Hooray for the end of February! I’m already looking forward to daylight savings time, more light at the end of the day, and temperatures warming up. Come on, Spring!

As I write this, I’m on the plane heading to visit my daughter for her senior year open studio. I’m excited to have some one-on-one time with her, and by the time you read this I’ll be back home. At home, I’m in full swing with the kids’ mountain bike team I help with, and that’s something I’m really enjoying, too. 

In other words, my personal life is pretty okay.

At the same time, I’m also experiencing a lot of stress, fear, and even anger at what’s going on in the United States. I can’t really pretend that it’s all okay, when good people are losing their jobs and I worry that my own parents could lose their social security. I could go on and on, but it’s too depressing. 

I feel like I’m experiencing a low level of stress at best, and much more than that at times.  

As I’m researching for my book and drawing on what I know already, I can’t help but think about how this stress is affecting my own gut and overall health. The following are just a few ways that stress affects your well-being (read more about it here): 

1. Increased Belly Fat
2. Food Intolerances, Sensitivities, and Allergies
3. Leaky Gut
4. Elevated Blood Sugar Levels
5. Increased Inflammation
6. An Altered Microbiome
7. Increased Acid Reflux, Indigestion, GERD, and Ulcers
8. Intensified IBS Symptoms
9. Increased Risk of Developing Small-Bowel Intestinal Overgrowth (SIBO)
10. Impaired Immunity

I’m not trying to be melodramatic, as many people are having actual negative change being forced upon them, but we are all stressed. 

So, I’m trying to walk my talk and use the strategies I have to cope with stress. Right now I’m focusing on moving my body and slowing my breathing when that tight feeling creeps in, and I think I need to get back into my meditation practice. 

If you’re feeling the same way, you should also check out this PDF that has 24 more techniques to beat stress. Check it out and let me know what works for you… Or what I may have missed!