Mood & Stress

What Does Stress Really Mean? Key Signs of a Stressed Nervous System You Shouldn’t Ignore

As a naturopathic doctor, I often talk about the term “stress”, but I’ve realized that many people don’t necessarily relate to that word. Instead, you might describe feeling constantly overwhelmed, running on adrenaline, or being in perpetual 'go mode. Whatever you call it, these feelings are all signs of chronic stress—and whether we recognize it or not, it’s silently impacting our energy levels, hormones and overall health.

In this blog, we’ll dive into how these modern-day pressures affect your body and mind, and what’s happening with your hormones when you’re running on empty.

For starters, here are some common phrases I hear in my office to described a stressed nervous system:

Overwhelmed

Burnout

High adrenaline

Exhausted

Running on empty

Feeling swamped

Constant worry or racing thoughts

Feeling drained

Juggling too much

Overworked

On edge

Stretched thin

Struggling to cope

Always in a rush

High mental load

Do you resonate with any of these phrases?!

When you're stuck in these states for too long, your body shifts into the sympathetic nervous system, or survival mode, pumping out stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones are designed to help us handle short-term threats, but when they’re constantly elevated, they start to take a toll on your health. This is where things like trouble sleeping, stubborn weight gain and feeling tired but wired come into play.

But it’s not just your energy levels that suffer. Stress impacts your digestion, skin health, immune function, menstrual cycle and mood. You might notice more frequent colds, gut issues like bloating or indigestion, or even skin flare-ups like acne or eczema. Mentally, you may feel more irritable, anxious, or emotionally reactive.

The good news?

There are effective strategies to reset your nervous system and bring your body back into balance. Techniques like acupuncture, herbal remedies, and mindfulness practices can help lower cortisol, support adrenal function, and calm that constant “go mode.”

If you're recognizing yourself in any of these symptoms, it’s a clear sign that your body is asking for a reset. Don’t wait until burnout takes over—now is the time to prioritize your health. By booking a naturopathic appointment, we can use The Hormone Cornerstone Method to dive deeper into what's really going on and uncover the root causes of your stress. Together, we’ll create a personalized plan to help you regain balance, restore your energy, and get you feeling your best again—inside and out. Book a free discovery call today!

Disclaimer: Any information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used in place of professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of a qualified health care practitioner with any questions or health concerns you may have.

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