Why Stress Is Sabotaging Your Health (And What to Do About It)

Let’s cut the fluff: stress is killing your results faster than a forgotten salad in the back of the fridge.

You’re working hard, trying to eat right, maybe even hitting the gym. Yet, somehow… your energy is shot, cravings are out of control, and your progress feels like it’s on pause.

Sound familiar? Yep. Stress isn’t just a mood killer, it’s a full-blown health saboteur.

Stress Hits Your Body Harder Than You Think

Stress isn’t just mental. It’s chemical. Your body releases cortisol, a hormone designed to help you survive - You know, that infamous term, “fight or flight” style.

The problem is, most of us are stuck in “fight or flight” mode all day long. Meetings, deadlines, traffic, family chaos… your body thinks it’s being chased by a tiger while you’re just trying to finish your emails.

High cortisol levels can lead to:

Increased belly fat (thanks a lot, stress!)
Sugar and carb cravings that hit harder than a TikTok trend
Muscle breakdown (yes, all that time in the gym can get sabotaged)
Fatigue, insomnia, anxiety… the list goes on

Congrats! Your body thinks it’s on Survivor: Office Edition and you’re losing every challenge.

In 2017, I was taking care of my grandmother, who was advancing with dementia. There were nights where there were calls at 2am that she wandered off and went missing, the numerous calls throughout the day confused and having to come to her aid at a moments’ notice. In addition to working two jobs and her care, I managing over 700 listings of her belongings on 5 different social apps, trying to make money for her memory care. I had lost 175 pounds and I thought I was unstoppable. I thought I could handle it all, until one day, the stress of everything halted me to my knees, broken, depleted and in the hospital. The years of that stress built up and not handled or released in a healthy manner, cost me 3 years to be able to eventually bounce back from it. Stress is no joke and should not be brushed off.

Your Brain Is Sabotaging You Too

Stress doesn’t just mess with your hormones, it messes with your brain. You think clearly, make smart decisions… but then the panic hits.

Next thing you know:

You’re raiding the pantry at 9 pm like a raccoon on a mission
You skip the gym because “I deserve a break” (that’s stress talking)
Your “healthy plan” slowly becomes optional

Yep, your brain is basically the friend who says, “Let’s do one drink… or seven.” And you’re the friend who nods because apparently, peer pressure lives inside your skull. You are nodding your head cuz you too, have been there!

There have been times where I was so stressed out that I frantically tore my house apart for 20 minutes looking for my cell phone because I was going to be late for wherever I was going, to only realize that I was talking on it! I know I am not the only one here!

Or my favorite, was being so frazzled with life and I didn’t want to miss my workout for my trainer that I rushed like a mad woman in my house and scurried out. When I got to the leg extension machine for our first exercise of the day, my trainer looked at me and said, “Are we planning a relaxing gym sesh?” I looked at him confused and he pointed his eyesight to my feet. I looked down and I was wearing ugg boots. Apparently, I forgot to change shoes before heading to the gym!

The Tough-Love Truth About Stress Management

Here’s the deal: You can’t wish stress away. You can’t pretend it doesn’t exist. You have to deal with it head-on, like a grown-up with a whip-smart sense of humor.

Stress management isn’t just about meditation retreats (though, great if you can swing it). It’s about:

Movement – Walk, lift, stretch. Burn some cortisol instead of your patience.
Sleep – No excuses. Your body repairs itself while you snooze. Netflix binging doesn’t count.
Mindset tools – Journaling, breathing exercises, or screaming into a pillow (yes, that’s allowed).
Boundaries – Saying no is a superpower. Your time and energy are not unlimited.

If someone asks you to do one more thing today, just remember: “I’d love to, but I’m too busy managing my cortisol levels like a responsible adult.”

Why It’s Worth Fighting Stress

When you actually manage your stress:

Cravings are easier to resist
Energy skyrockets
Workouts finally start paying off
Your body stops hoarding fat like it’s the apocalypse
Life feels… manageable

Basically, stress is a thief. But the good news? You can take it back.

The biggest game changer for me was when I was doing the 75 Hard challenge. It was a commitment to myself and as a people pleaser, it was extremely hard for me to tell people I couldn’t attend to something because it interfered with my plan or I wasn’t eating any unhealthy foods. There were times where you noticed the eye rolls, but it was a commitment to myself. I was meditating daily, getting movement in daily, hitting my water goal daily and not a single “cheat” meal. When I took that time to complete my checklist everyday, I noticed something in me. I noticed myself more calmer in general, overly productive and sleeping better than I had in a long time. I wasn’t stress eating, my periods were more manageable and my body wasn’t in pain very often.

The Bottom Line

Stress isn’t just in your head. It’s stealing your health, sabotaging your workouts, and making your progress slower than a Monday morning traffic jam.

The solution? Stop ignoring it. Move your body, sleep like your life depends on it, set boundaries, and use mindset tools. Do it consistently. Laugh at yourself when it gets messy, because it will. I seriously laugh at myself DAILY!

Your stress is not the boss of you. You’re not a raccoon. You’re a badass human who can lift, breathe, and laugh at the chaos while still kicking ass.

Take a second and picture this: you wake up tomorrow feeling… lighter. Not lighter in weight necessarily, but lighter in your mind. Your body feels energized, your cravings aren’t controlling you, and your workouts feel like tools, not punishments.

Imagine looking in the mirror and recognizing the same person… just stronger. Not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too. Someone who can face life’s chaos, handle stress without breaking, and actually laugh when it all gets messy.

This isn’t a dream. It’s your life waiting for you the moment you decide stress isn’t running the show anymore. You’re the one in charge. You’re capable. You’re unstoppable. And yes, you get to have a little fun along the way.

Because the strongest, healthiest, happiest version of you isn’t hiding somewhere in the future. It’s ready to show up today. You just have to give yourself permission.

Stress? It’s just background noise.

You? You’re the main act. And guess what… you’re crushing it.

Sheri’s Fun Mini Action Plan Checklist ✅

Pick 2–3 of these to start today - don’t try to do them all at once. You’re human, not a superhero (though close enough).

Move Your Body – Take a 15–20 min walk, lift weights, or dance like nobody’s watching. Burn some cortisol, not your patience.
Sleep Like a Boss – Commit to 7–9 hours. Phones down. Netflix on hold. Your muscles and brain will thank you.
Set One Boundary Today – Say “no” to something unnecessary. Protect your energy like it’s gold (because it is).
Mindset Minute – Take 5 minutes to journal, breathe, meditate, or scream into a pillow. Bonus points if you laugh while doing it.
Hydrate Like You Mean It – Water = basic but underrated. Stress + dehydration = chaos.
Laugh at the Chaos – Watch a funny video, text a friend, or just roll your eyes at the day. Humor is literally medicine.

Pick one, do it today, and tell your stress it can’t sit at the head of the table anymore. You’re driving this ship, and spoiler alert: it sails better when you’re having fun.

Namaste Bishes.

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