Chronic Stress

Chronic Stress affects More Than Your Mind

I loved this explanation from neurologist Dr. David Perlmutter:

“Your brain may experience stress first, but it certainly doesn’t keep it to itself.

Persistent stress signaling influences cortisol, immune activity, glucose metabolism, sleep, inflammation, and mitochondrial function throughout the body.

What begins as a response to a deadline, an argument, or an endless stream of notifications can become a very real biological state.

Stress management sounds soft. The physiology is anything but.”

This is why I believe stress support belongs in the conversation about metabolic health.

Chronic stress activates our stress-response systems and affects cortisol. Over time, cortisol dysregulation can also be associated with changes in glucose regulation and insulin sensitivity.

And then it can become a circle:

Stress → cortisol → higher glucose → more insulin → disrupted sleep → cravings & fatigue → more stress

We can’t eliminate stress from our lives. But we CAN give our bodies tools that help us respond to it differently.

My Stress-Support Toolbox

1. Essential Oils

Scent is one of my favorite ways to create a physical cue to slow down.

Some of my favorites are:

Stress Away • Lavender • Peace & Calming • Valor • Cedarwood

I diffuse them while I’m working, use them during stressful moments and incorporate calming oils into my nighttime routine.

2. MAKE CALM

CALM has become another tool in my wellness toolbox.

It combines Ashwagandha, Lemon Balm, GABA and L-Theanine to support relaxation and a healthy stress response without making you feel like you need to go to sleep.

I especially love having something I can reach for when my brain doesn’t seem to understand that the stressful part of the day is OVER.

They’ve put the perfect collection together, which includes CALM, FOCUSED and ENERGIZED! Bonus, those are all natural!

Collection

3. Support the Metabolism, Too

Stress management isn’t only about feeling calmer.

Chronic stress and cortisol dysregulation can influence glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. That’s one reason metabolic health matters so much to me.

My daily Unicity routine includes:

Balance before my largest meal: A soluble-fiber matrix designed to slow carbohydrate absorption and support healthy glucose metabolism.

Unimate: Concentrated yerba mate containing chlorogenic acids and theobromine that supports mood, focus, energy and appetite management.

These aren’t treatments for stress or insulin resistance. They’re tools I use alongside nutrition and lifestyle habits to support my metabolism.

Interesting study on Chronic Stress, Diabetes, and Cardiovascular Disease: Epidemiologic Evidence, Pathogenetic Insights, and Therapeutic Strategies

Start Feeling GREAT Again

4. The FREE Things Matter

Supplements aren’t the foundation.

Morning sunlight

Walking

Strength training

Protein

Fiber

Time outside

Deep breathing

Less scrolling

Protecting sleep

Not drinking coffee on an empty stomach

Creating space between meals

Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is repeatedly remind our nervous system:

The emergency is over. You can come back down now.

Need Help Figuring Out Where to Start?

You don’t need to do everything at once.

If you’d like help choosing essential oils, metabolic-health support or the wellness tools that make the most sense for you, reach out to me via Instagram, Facebook or text: (248) 587-7292

Small changes, practiced consistently, can completely change the way we feel in our bodies.

Let’s connect on Instagram: @Viviane.Niemann

and on my new Facebook page: VivianeNiemannBlog

Warmly,

Information obtained here is meant for educational and informational purposes ONLY, and to motivate and empower you to make your own wellness journey based on your own research and partnership with your healthcare provider.

The statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Chronic Stress