“When we are stressed, the body releases stress hormones (cortisol and adrenaline) which increases blood pressure, elevates heart rate and boosts available energy by flooding the bloodstream with glucose to mobilise the body for battle. Historically, this would have enabled us to run from a lion, and indeed, acute, short-lived stress can be beneficial in sharpening our concentration, energising us for the task at hand. However, the body has not evolved to handle the pressure of modern-day prolonged stress: consistent exposure to stressors such as long work hours, caring for family members, experiencing emotional turmoil, family deaths and economic stress can all have the opposite effect. When we experience chronic stress, without sufficient recovery, the strain put on the body increases your risk of burnout. Your adrenal glands, which produce your stress hormones, can quite literally become exhausted.” – Lara Hughes, naturopathic doctor
