So many of us live in a low hum of stress all the time and don’t even notice it any more. Work, family, the phone in our hand. Your body can’t tell the difference between running from danger and an inbox that won’t stop. It responds to both the same way.
Two modes: fight or flight, and rest and digest
Your nervous system has two main gears:
- Fight or flight gets you ready for action. Your heart speeds up, stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline rise, and digestion is put on hold. Why digest lunch if you’re running for your life?
- Rest and digest is the calm, safe state. Your body digests food, absorbs nutrients, repairs and restores.
We need both. The trouble is that many of us are stuck in the first gear for most of the day.
What that means for your digestion
If you eat while you’re stressed, rushing or scrolling, your body simply isn’t in digesting mode. Food can sit heavier and longer, and many women notice bloating, reflux, constipation or loose stools. It’s one of the first things I look at with clients who have gut trouble.
And for your hormones
Stress doesn’t stay in your head. Ongoing stress affects your cycle too. You might notice your period arrives late, your PMS is worse, or your sleep and energy dip. When your body feels under threat, getting on with things like ovulation isn’t top of its list.
The busy trap
We’ve learned to wear busy like a badge. But rest isn’t a reward you earn once everything’s done. Your body needs it to digest, heal and keep your hormones steady. I believe taking care of yourself isn’t selfish. It’s the foundation for everything else you do.
My top tip: 20 minutes a day
One of the best tips I give my clients is to aim for 20 minutes of “me” time every day. Choose something that calms you rather than stimulates you. The TV and the gym don’t count here. Some ideas to start with:
- Gentle yoga or stretching
- A slow walk in nature
- Deep breathing or meditation
- A warm bath or foot bath
- Colouring, knitting, crochet, drawing or painting
- Gentle music
- A massage or reflexology
- Time with animals
- Lying flat with your legs up the wall, doing absolutely nothing
For really busy days, set a timer for 3 minutes, close your eyes and breathe slowly and deeply into your belly. It’s a simple way to tell your body you’re safe.
Want help getting back into balance?
If stress is showing up in your digestion, your sleep or your cycle, I’d love to help you get to the bottom of it, bit by bit.
Book a consultation, or book a free 15-minute call if you’d like to chat first.