Are you burning the candle at both ends?
Overexerting yourself?
Overextending yourself?
Doing too much all at once?
I see this often in the clinic—lots of stress, not enough rest (if any at all), sleep deprivation, and depleted energy.
When we talk about the ‘candle,’ we’re referring to vitality and life force—using it too quickly, exhausting our resources, and depleting our well-being.
Our lifestyles today reflect this more than ever—working too much, resting too little, neglecting nutrition, sleeping late, and waking up early.
The Impact of Stress
Stress disrupts the body. Cortisol and adrenaline are released as our body perceives a ‘threat’ and prepares to respond. Whether we consciously feel stressed or not, these hormones are triggered, setting off a cascade of effects.
But are we really stressed?
Stress is not just emotional or psychological. Other contributing factors include:
Environmental toxins
Gut health imbalances
Excessive exercise or lack of exercise
Career pressures
Acute or chronic infections
Nutritional deficiencies
Poor hydration
Disrupted sleep patterns
This shows how stress can be cumulative.
Chronic Stress
Constant exposure to stress over time can compromise our health—I see this every day in the clinic.
Digestive function slows, reproductive health is affected, the immune system weakens, and metabolic function declines.
Many stress-related conditions include:
Thyroid abnormalities
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Memory and cognitive changes
Autoimmune disorders
Digestive issues
Mental health challenges
Our body doesn’t differentiate between the stress of an email notification and the stress of being attacked by a wild animal—both trigger cortisol release. While cortisol helps us manage challenges, the issue arises when its release becomes constant.
Stress in a Modern World
A challenge many of us face today is living in a near-constant state of fight-or-flight.
What can we do?
We must choose not to succumb to the pressure of constant rush, the glorification of ‘being busy,’ and the habit of giving away our energy without replenishing it.
This has to be intentional—slowing down, allowing our nervous system to relax, and moving through the day with more awareness.
How Can We Manage Stress?
It’s not always easy, but it is possible! Incorporating ‘slow activities’ can help regulate stress levels:
1. Lifestyle Modifications
Walking
Stretching
Reading a book
Painting
Taking a bath
Unplugging from technology and setting boundaries
Taking an art class for fun
Practicing breathwork
2. Prioritizing Rest and Proper Sleep
Aim for 7–9 hours of uninterrupted sleep (some people, such as teenagers, may need more)
Maintain a consistent sleep schedule to regulate your circadian rhythm
Incorporate sleep hygiene strategies
3. Nutritional Support
Focus on foods rich in B vitamins, magnesium, and omega-3s to help the body handle stress more effectively
Address underlying nutritional deficiencies with the support of a naturopath—these can affect mood, resilience, and mental health
4. Herbal Strategies
Seek guidance from a naturopath or healthcare professional
Together, you can develop a plan to support your daily functioning, reduce stress responses, and nourish your body with the help of herbal allies
Is this something you believe you need some support with? Click here to book in an initial consult with me, together we can get to the root of your concern.
