Stress - The Silent Killer
Is your stress out of control?
What is happening in your body because of your off-the-charts stress?
They say that hypertension (high blood pressure) is the silent killer. It is the root cause of almost 500,000 deaths per year, according to the CDC.¹ That’s a staggering number—but what’s even more alarming is that most people who have hypertension or are at risk don’t even realize it. That’s why it’s called the silent killer.
However, today, I want to focus on something that affects more than just your blood pressure. Something ominous, suffocating, enraging, and life-altering. It sneaks up on us and robs us of joy, health, relationships, peace, and clarity. Sometimes, it arrives uninvited, while other times, we unknowingly invite it in.
I’m talking about STRESS.
What Is Stress?
According to Webster’s Dictionary, stress is defined as a “constraining force or influence.” Examples include “a physical, chemical, or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension and may contribute to disease.”²
Excess stress creates a highly toxic environment in our bodies. It doesn’t just cause high blood pressure—it can also lead to cancer, addictions, insomnia, obesity, gastrointestinal disruptions, GERD, migraines, and more. Stress infiltrates every aspect of life, creating a snowball effect that’s hard to escape.
We all know that stress is harmful, but why do we have so much of it?
Why Is Stress So Hard to Manage?
We don’t know how to get rid of it.
It’s sneaky. Sometimes, we don’t realize how much stress we’re under until it takes a toll on our bodies.
We struggle with stress management. Since eliminating stress isn’t always an option, managing it effectively is crucial. A simple search for “stress management” yields thousands of wellness companies, apps, coaches, and articles. Yet, stress management remains elusive for many.
My Experience with Stress
I’m no stranger to stress. As a business owner, a parent juggling two households, and a professional expanding my expertise, stress is a constant presence in my life. Some days, I manage it well—other days, it overwhelms me. But overall, I’ve developed life-changing stress management skills that I now share with my clients.
These aren’t secrets—you can find these strategies anywhere. But the difference is in implementation. I help my clients apply these techniques in a way that suits their personal triggers and lifestyles.
4 Proven Strategies to Manage Stress
There are countless stress-relief methods, but here are my top four:
1. Time & Priority Management
Managing time and priorities sounds simple, but it’s often the #1 cause of stress. Learning to prioritize, time-block, and adjust schedules is essential for reducing and managing stress effectively.
2. CBD Oil for Stress Relief
CBD oil is a proven solution for reducing stress and anxiety. It interacts with endocannabinoid receptors in the body, supporting natural processes that alleviate physical and mental symptoms of stress. In recent years, an enormous amount of research has emerged in support of the healing benefits of cannabis and even psychedelic mushrooms for stress and PTSD.
3. Meditation & Deep Breathing
Studies show that 20 minutes of meditation provides the equivalent of three hours of sleep. Deep breathing activates the vagus nerve, which helps restore equilibrium to cells and nerves while releasing serotonin, melatonin, and endorphins.³ This is why we spend so much time on breathwork and somatic healing at LSWS.
4. Humor Therapy
Laughter truly is the best medicine! It increases heart rate and blood pressure temporarily, followed by an immediate relaxation response—just what you need when you’re stressed.⁴ Like meditation, laughter boosts endorphins and soothes tension.
Additional Stress Management Techniques
Other effective stress relief strategies include:
Art therapy
Sound/Music Therapy
Healthy nutrition
Dark chocolate
Red wine (in moderation)
Exercise
Sex
Playing games
Pet therapy
Take Control of Your Stress
My encouragement to you: Find ways to manage your stress and, if possible, eliminate unnecessary stressors. Make intentional choices that lower your risk of hypertension and other stress-related illnesses.
Your health and well-being depend on it.
If you’re ready to get your healing journey started, and break free from the damage of chronic stress, schedule a consultation so we can get this party started!
References
CDC. “Facts About Hypertension.” https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/facts
Merriam-Webster. “Stress.” https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stress
Daube, Jakobsche. “The Biochemical Effects of Meditation: A Literature Review.” https://bit.ly/2YLHXCG
Mayo Clinic. “Stress Relief from Laughter? It’s No Joke.” https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relief/art-20044456