The problem is complex but our mission is simple; empower our community to reduce mind + body stress so they can live healthier and longer lives.
The Problem
Stress is the root cause of 90% of chronic health issues that exist today. It is a complex global problem that affects everyone.
Stress is not just mental. It can affect us physically, mentally or in most cases both at the same time. Recent clinical research proves the bi-directional relationship between the mind and body via our HPA (Gut-Brain) axis. Science shows that our thoughts directly affect our physical health and likewise physical stress affects how we think and feel.
In simple terms: stress is when we are unbalanced. Being in a stressed or unbalanced state for a prolonged period of time can lead to a wide range of health problems including gut issues, anxiety, depression, fatigue, weight gain and, skin problems. Good health only materialises when we return to a state of internal balance known as homestasis. This is the desired human state to function correctly and live healthily.
“Stress is the health epidemic of the 21st century”
— World Health Organisation
The Stress Cycle
When it comes to stress, the interconnected relationship between the mind and body plays out every day.
Day 1
Deadlines at work and pressure from your boss are causing you worry and anxiety.
Internal Response
When you feel anxious or fearful, your body goes into ‘fight or flight’ mode. As a result, cortisol levels in your body begin to rise and your adrenal HPA axis comes under pressure in an attempt to regulate your body. Increased levels of cortisol for a prolonged period start to play havoc on multiple chemical and biological functions in your mind and body.
Day 3
This mental worry starts to take its toll and your sleep begins to suffer.
Internal Response
High cortisol levels activate enzymes that breakdown amino acids required to produce melatonin (the sleep hormone). Melatonin is produced by the brain and is responsible for the timing of your circadian rhythm. Low levels of melatonin result in disturbed sleeping patterns and difficulty falling asleep.
Day 7
Your disturbed sleep impacts your energy. You hit slumps at work and reach for sugary snacks.
Internal Response
The combined effect of mental stress and poor sleep start to drain your energy reserves and your mitochondria (the cells powerhouse) begin to weaken. Poor nutrition choices such as sugar or processed foods lead to increased blood sugar (glucose) levels. Glucose spikes are directly linked to poor mood, low immunity, skin problems and other metabolic issues such as diabetes.
Day 14
After a couple of weeks you start to feel run down and you pick up a flu.
Internal Response
Poor nutrition affects the balance of your gut microbiome and the integrity of your gut barrier. As 70% of your immune system is located in the gut this becomes compromised. High cortisol levels are also suppressing your immune response meaning your body is no longer able to defend itself against foreign invaders such as bad bacteria or viruses.
Day 16
You take some days off to recover. While at home you start to worry about the work piling up.
Internal Response
The physical stress caused by an illness (e.g flu) may affect your methylation cycle, chemical reponses and energy levels. Your ability to create hormones such as serotonin (happy hormone) may be compromised resulting in lower mood and increased anxiety.
Stress-Care™ is at the intersection of health care and self-care.
Our products and services are designed to help you build resilience to modern life stresses + restore mental and physical balance.
