One thing we all have in common is stress.
Stress is a normal part of life. That’s what we’ve been taught & what we have experienced. Stress is the body’s response to a challenge, change, or perceived threat. In small doses, stress can be motivating, but in high, consistent doses, it’s our signal that something needs to change. Stress isn’t just a feeling; it’s a full-body experience, led by our nervous system. The art of outsmarting stress is about calming the nervous system, helping it feel safe again.
Our nervous system
Think of the nervous system like the motherboard, the HQ, or the big boss running the show inside us. It's responsible for an endless number of internal processes, the physical, mental & emotional magic that keeps us going every day. Whether it’s the things we choose- (voluntary aspects), like eating or talking with friends—or the things that happen on autopilot (involuntary aspects), like breathing & digesting, the nervous system works quietly in the background making sure everything runs fluidly.
Our nervous system is also the first to react when life gets stressful. At its core, stress induces a survival mechanism within us (our fight-or-flight response) with the release of hormones like cortisol & adrenaline to help us react quickly. This is great if you’re running from a dangerous animal with big, sharp teeth. Not so great if you’re just trying to make it through a busy day.
Why does this matter?
Stress has a cumulative effect. When left unchecked, it spreads like glitter, everydamnwhere. As much as many of us love glitter, we know it’s hard to clean up. Just like glitter, stress can find its way into every crevice of our life. We live in a culture of go-go-go, where stress lurks around every corner. And our body, bless it, often reacts like we’re still dodging ancient predators. The result? The same fight-or-flight response we’d need to escape danger can become a daily ritual in modern life. Our society, for better or worse, has kind of overdosed on stress. And let’s be real, our nervous system was not designed for constant high alerts. That accumulated stress has a physical, emotional & mental impact over time. A racing heart, random sweats, mysterious stomach aches, relentless headaches, anxiety, depression, even co-morbid conditions, all can stem from exposure to prolonged stress, leading to consequences we might never imagined.
Getting Ahead of Stress: Rise Above It
The secret to dealing with stress is not waiting until the storm hits. We’re not here for another round of “just push through.” Let’s end the generational curse of running on fumes. Instead, let’s stay one step ahead with managing our stress levels. Something simple as getting out in nature, walking, exercising, buying some plants, practicing deep breathing, eating well (we love a colorful plate of food), resting well & spending quality time with our loved ones, all have the power to regulate our nervous system. Make it a habit to do things that are legal & feel good to your body. Create routines that break down these practices into enjoyable & realistic pieces. Sometimes five minutes is all you need. Routines bring calm & stability, eventually turning into habits that help your nervous system relax, even when things get intense.
Consume technology intentionally, don’t let it consume you
If you’re serious about managing stress, take a look at your tech habits. Be mindful & intentional with technology. It’s tempting to scroll through your phone during your downtime, but a constant stream of social media, news, texts, emails, notifications-distractions, can keep the nervous system on high alert. So, find your rhythm with routines that lift you, practices that ground you & be mindful with how you spend your time.
For my expectant parents
Childbirth educators, birth coaches, doulas, midwives & other birthkeepers teach stress management techniques as part of birth preparation, well before baby arrives. The idea is to give you time to learn & get comfortable with them. But here’s the thing, these practices are more than just pregnancy & labor tools. They’re essential in the postpartum period, too, supporting your body’s physical, emotional & mental recovery. How we heal during the postpartum period impacts future pregnancies, births & our overall health. Postpartum is not the time to let go of what you have learned, it’s the time to allow these tools to support you. Continue to integrate them into your daily routine after your little one(s) is born.
For my black & brown friends
Weathering: The Extraordinary Stress of Ordinary Life in an Unjust Society is an excellent book by Dr. Arline T. Geronimus who shares how systemic oppression, like racism & social inequities, directly affect the physical & mental health of black & brown people. The term weathering refers to the gradual wear & tear on the body that comes from being constantly exposed to social stressors. For marginalized communities, this chronic stress accelerates aging at the metabolic (cellular) level, especially impacting black women & their maternal health. It’s not the reason for today’s maternal health crisis, but weathering shows why the one-size-fits-all approach of our healthcare system often falls short for black & brown communities. It highlights the urgent need for systemic changes across all fields intended to support health & well-being. Weathering sheds light on the importance of being intentional & consistent in our stress management practices. It’s a reminder that managing stress isn’t just a wellness trend, it’s a crucial part of maintaining resilience & health, especially in a world filled with constant challenges.
With every intentional breath, every processed meal you dodge & each moment of laughter, you hold the power to take charge of your health & well-being. When we can shift from survival mode to a state of ease, we can handle life’s challenges with a steady mind & a bit more peace. It is never too late to begin integrating stress management into your daily routine. Your body will thank you.