Stress. It creeps into our lives in unexpected ways. It can be from work, family, or just the general chaos of life. If we are breathing, we have it. And while stress is natural to have stress, how we manage it is key. We all have those moments where everything feels overwhelming, and suddenly our best plans for healthy living are the first to slip. Exercise? That can wait, or maybe the feeling of motivation suddenly exits the building. Eating balanced meals? Suddenly, comfort foods take the spotlight, or maybe we turn to restriction because we either don’t have an appetite or we are seeking control.
The thing about stress though.. it’s not just about managing the feeling in the moment, but recognizing how it affects the decisions around health, exercise, our interactions, and even food. We can accept stress as something that happens but sometimes, we need to get uncomfortable to manage it.. which means making changes, and taking control of how we handle it, and feeling uncomfortable to get to the other side.
Stress impacts us physically and mentally. It’s that tightness in your chest, the tension in your shoulders, and the racing thoughts that make you feel like there’s no room to breathe. When we’re in that space, making healthy choices can feel impossible. Maybe we reach for quick, processed food choice because cooking feels like a mountain to climb. Or maybe we skip a workout, thinking we don’t have the energy. Or maybe we turn to the drive-thru because it gives us that dopamine hit we are seeking to take the edge off.
But the reality is, exercise/movement and nutrition are some of our most powerful tools to combat stress. Working out releases endorphins, those feel-good hormones that naturally lower stress levels. Even when it feels like the last thing you want to do, a quick workout to re-level your head can make a big difference. It’s not about being perfect or sticking to a strict routine. It’s about recognizing that moving your body can shift your mood and energy, and sometimes that’s the first step toward managing stress. At TTS, sometimes I hear ‘my in-laws are coming, time to work out first so my brain is in a better space!’.
The same goes for emotional eating. Stress has a way of pushing us toward those comfort foods like chips, chocolate, and takeout. It’s not about banning those foods but understanding the role they play when stress hits. Emotional eating happens because our brains are wired to seek comfort when things get tough. Rather than beating yourself up about it, it’s important to recognize it for what it is: a coping mechanism. The trick is learning to balance it. If you find yourself reaching for comfort food, ask yourself, “What else can I do right now to support myself?”. Something I have done is noticing HOW I am eating. Sometimes I catch myself eating quickly at the table when I’m not even in a rush. It’s actually mindless eating just to eat. So I make note of what I am thinking of. Usually it’s a stressful situation that caused me to eat while thinking about that exact thing. Woah. When I see that, I have learned to evaluate and slow down. Take note on what you are thinking about while you’re eating.
We’re not trees. We have the ability to move, to make changes, and to decide what works best for us. Stress management doesn’t mean accepting everything that comes our way—it means taking charge of how we respond, and what we accept. Sometimes it means leaning into discomfort, pushing ourselves to make small changes that help us feel better, even when stress feels heavy. It’s not easy, and it’s not always comfortable, but the more we practice, the more we start to see that we’re in control of our choices. If you have ever been through a divorce whether it’s with a person, a place, or a thing, this is a great example. It’s uncomfortable at first to make changes, but then it’ll be glorious. That’s where real stress management happens- in the highs and the lows of these changes.
The next time stress shows up, remember that you have the tools to handle it (and if you don’t, there’s professional help for these areas too!). Take a breath, head to a workout, fuel up on something nutritious and you’ll see the rewards.. not just in the moment but also in the long run!
Christina
The Transformation Station 