Nutrition by Dawn - Blog

If you’ve been following along, you probably know that my life is pretty stressful these days. And I’m guessing I’m not alone. Stress is something we all deal with—sometimes daily. It creeps into our lives, builds up, and before we know it, we’re running on empty, snapping at loved ones, and feeling completely overwhelmed.

But here’s the thing: stress isn’t just a mental or emotional burden. It has real, physical consequences. It raises cortisol levels, increases inflammation, and negatively impacts nearly every system in your body—including your brain. Yet, too often, we just accept stress as a normal part of life.

“Oh, I’m busy.” “Oh, I’m stressed.” “Yeah, me too.”

Sound familiar?

We say these things in passing, but we rarely stop to think about what we can do to change it.

Taking Back Control: A Simple Stress Reset

This afternoon, I decided to do something about it. Instead of pushing through the overwhelm, I closed my laptop, put my phone on silent, popped in my earbuds, and went for a walk.

Did I have other things I could or should have been doing? Absolutely.

But I knew that if I didn’t take a break, I’d hit that wall—you know, the one where you can’t even have a conversation without feeling like you might snap?

We don’t need to wait until we’re at our breaking point to hit reset. In fact, we shouldn’t wait. Scheduling moments of rest and relief into our daily lives can help us manage stress before it spirals out of control.

Finding What Works for You

For me, getting outside in the fresh air—chilly as it may still be here in New England—makes a world of difference. Sometimes I listen to a podcast or music. Other times, I simply listen to the birds and soak in the quiet.

But maybe that’s not your thing. Maybe being near water, the ocean, or a lake brings you peace. Maybe curling up with a book, rolling out your yoga mat, or calling a friend is what grounds you.

Whatever it is, find what works for you—and then make time for it.

Be Proactive, Not Reactive

Stress management isn’t just about dealing with stress after it’s already hit hard. It’s about proactively giving your body and mind the space to recharge.

If we don’t, the consequences can be serious. High cortisol levels can lead to fatigue, anxiety, digestive issues, and long-term health problems. But when we take small, intentional steps to reduce stress, we gain clarity, energy, and—most importantly—the ability to enjoy our lives, even in the midst of chaos.

Remember: stress is a part of life, but it doesn’t have to run your life. Take care of yourself, and don’t be afraid to step away when you need to. Your mind and body will thank you for it.