Stress is actually not bad but chronic stress is ruining your life

Even as a licensed healthcare provider, I ended up in my middle age overwhelmed and overweight.  I even had incredibly healthy habits...but those didn't stand a chance against the demands of life in that season.  

It took me a minute to figure out what was going on in my body.  You see, not all stress is bad and I had previously not thought twice about how much stress I encountered.  Our bodies are meant to handle stress.  Stress (think a new job, a home project, or supporting a friend through a hard time) can give us energy, focus or lead to more self-compassion and connection with others.  Many of the things that were demanding my time and attention were good things:my family, building my practice, participating in my community.  Through the last decade and a half, I had relished in the challenges and been inspired by the demands.  

And then I realized a few things...I was 15 years older than when I began the journey of being a mom, then a working mom.  I realized I wouldn't be in a 30 yr old body forever (darn!).  And, as life moved forward and became more full and busier, the stress became less episodic and more of a way of life.  And nothing would tell me to challenge what I was doing.  All around me, women are raising multiple children (and pets!), nurturing their relationships with partners, family and friends, and participating in their community...all while looking pretty and being nice...on the outside.

Once the stress becomes consistent, our internal systems get depleted, cause other systems to not work correctly and then we sit back with our 4th cup of coffee and wonder why we aren't thriving.

On a recent Facebook Live with Michelle of Botanacea Wellness, I discussed the differences between positive stress and chronic, detrimental stress and gave some guidance on how to get out of the chronic cycle.  

Do you think chronic stress is "normal?"  Would love to hear from you!