In a world that often prizes “the hustle” above all else, Sharissa Bradley found herself in an ironic predicament. As she prepared to record an episode on stress for her Tea Time Podcast, her own life reached a level of stress so “astronomical” that she was forced to stop everything. Authenticity is a core value for Sharissa, and she realized she could not “walk the walk” if she continued to push herself while her body was screaming for a break.

The Science of Stress: The U-Shaped Curve Many people believe that stress is inherently bad, but as Sharissa explains, our bodies actually need an optimal level of stress to function. She describes this as a U-shaped curve. On one end, having no stress at all leads to a lack of motivation and inaction. On the other end, excessive stress creates a similar paralysis where the pressure becomes too great to handle. The goal is to find the “just right” amount in the middle that keeps us motivated and moving forward without tipping into injury or illness.

The Physical Toll of “Pushing Through” When we ignore the warning signs and continue to push, the consequences are more than just mental. High stress can manifest as autoimmune disease, chronic fatigue, pain, and brain fog. Sharissa notes that when we operate under extreme stress, we often run on an “adrenaline-type system”. While this might help us survive the moment, it leads to adrenal fatigue and an inflamed body that loses its ability to handle situations with grace. Once a person reaches full burnout, it can take years to recover and reverse the damage.

How to Reclaim Your Health If you find yourself in a state where thinking and speaking are becoming challenging, it is time to evaluate everything. Sharissa recommends several practical steps to combat external stressors that you cannot control:

• Audit Your Schedule: Go through your calendar and cross off anything that isn’t essential, even if it means disappointing others.
• Prioritize Radical Rest: Increase your sleep and allow yourself extra time in bed without self-criticism or calling yourself “lazy”.
• Nutritional Support: Focus on high nutrient-dense foods and plenty of water.
• Reduce Stimulants: Cut back on sugar and caffeine, as these can ramp up the hormone systems that contribute to anxiousness and stress.
• Lean on Community: Reach out to friends or community members to help unload the mental burden.

The Lesson in Stopping Ultimately, Sharissa learned that the only way she could “show up” again for her community was by stopping. By slowing down to enjoy simple things like sunshine, family time, and walks with her dog, she was able to recharge. Protect your body from the side effects of stress hormones by recognizing when the container is full and having the courage to say no to the world so you can say yes to your health.