Conquering your mountain of Stress
- Dr. Joshua Beaudry
- May 6
- 3 min read
Updated: May 7
Stress is not just something you feel emotionally.
It is something your brain and body experience physically, chemically, and neurologically.
Many people today feel like they are carrying a mountain on their shoulders. They wake up exhausted, struggle to focus, feel emotionally overwhelmed, and cannot seem to fully recover no matter how much they rest.
The good news is this:
Your body was designed to adapt.
The key is understanding what stress is doing to your nervous system and learning how to help the body climb out of survival mode.
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What Stress Really Does to the Body
Stress activates the sympathetic nervous system, also known as the fight, flight, or freeze response.
This system is designed to protect you during danger. In short bursts, it is incredibly helpful.
But when stress becomes chronic, the body stops functioning efficiently.
You may begin to experience:
Anxiety
Brain fog
Poor sleep
Digestive problems
Tight muscles
Fatigue
Hormone imbalance
Mood swings
Increased inflammation
Over time, the body starts adapting to stress instead of adapting to healing.
Your Brain Controls the Climb
The brain is the master controller of the body.
It determines:
How you respond to stress
How well you sleep
How your digestion functions
How your hormones balance
How your immune system responds
When the brain perceives danger, it shifts resources away from healing and toward survival.
This is why many people feel “wired and tired.” Their body is exhausted, but their nervous system cannot shut off.
Stress Comes in Many Forms
Stress is not only emotional.
There are three major categories of stress:
Physical Stress
Injuries
Poor posture
Lack of movement
Concussions or trauma
Chemical Stress
Blood sugar instability
Processed foods
Mold exposure
Environmental toxins
Inflammation
Emotional Stress
Overwhelmed
Fear
Relationship stress
Chronic pressure
Feeling unsafe or unsupported
The brain responds to all of these the same way: by activating the stress response.
How Stress Changes the Brain
When stress remains active for too long:
The amygdala becomes overactive
The prefrontal cortex loses efficiency
Brainwaves shift into survival patterns
Sleep quality decreases
Recovery slows down
The brain becomes hypervigilant.
This can lead to anxiety, ADHD-like symptoms, emotional reactivity, and difficulty focusing.
The Body Keeps Score
Stress also affects the body physically.
Common signs of nervous system overload include:
Cold hands or feet
Sweaty or dry palms
Rapid breathing
Muscle tension
Digestive issues
Poor heart rate variability
Waking up between 2–4 a.m.
These are signals that your body is stuck in survival mode.
How to Start Climbing Out of Stress
Healing begins by helping the nervous system feel safe again.
Small, consistent habits can make a major difference.
Movement
Walking, stretching, balance work, and coordinated movement help regulate the brain and nervous system.
Breathing
Slow diaphragmatic breathing helps activate the parasympathetic system.
Try breathing in for 3 seconds and out for 6 seconds.
Blood Sugar Stability
Protein, healthy fats, and whole foods help prevent stress-driven blood sugar spikes and crashes.
Sleep and Recovery
The brain heals during sleep. Reducing screen time and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule supports recovery.
Connection and Community
Isolation increases stress. Feeling supported helps regulate the nervous system.
You Were Designed to Adapt
Stress may feel overwhelming, but your body is not broken.
The nervous system is adaptable. The brain can change. Healing is possible.
Every step you take toward regulation helps your body climb out of survival mode and back into healing.
You do not conquer the mountain all at once.
You do it one step, one breath, and one decision at a time.
Your body was designed to adapt.
The key is understanding what stress is doing to your nervous system and learning how to help the body climb out of survival mode.
Ready to Get Started?
If you are dealing with similar symptoms and want a personalized plan for better brain, body, and nervous system health, schedule your consultation with Life Springs Family Chiropractic today!
Life Springs Family Chiropractic – Denver, CO
Call/Text: (303) 770-0605
Website: lifespringsfamilychiropractic.com
Missed the Workshop? Watch the Replay on Facebook | YouTube
