I've been mezmerized by hot springs lately and have come to the conclusion that life is like a hot spring. It contains a raw beauty that fills us with awe. It also sometimes boils over and turns us into an absolute hot mess. In the end, we can either choose to jump in and enjoy the full benefits of self-care, rejeuventation and detoxification. Or, we can hastefully step around the side, avoid the heat, and relinquish the opportunity to realize optimal health, growth and development.
America has become synonimous with stress. In the recent study, Stress in America (2023), more and more Americans experience stress in their daily lives. In the recent report, researchers found that "Long-term stress sustained since the global pandemic has had a significant impact on well-being, as evidenced by an increase in chronic illnesses—especially among those between the ages of 35 and 44, which increased from 48% reported in 2019 to 58% in 2023." And, "Adults ages 35 to 44 also experienced the highest increase in mental health diagnoses—from 31% reported in 2019 to 45% in 2023—though adults ages 18 to 34 still reported the highest rate of mental illnesses at 50% in 2023." Can we simply agree that this is not okay?
So, what is the ultimate cost of stress to humans? Long-term or "chronic stress" is known to cause inflammation in our bodies, wreaking havoc on our cells, gut, hormones and immune system. More importantly, if we are not able to tame our stress and nervous systems, this can lead to an increased risk of a host of ailments, including digestive issues, heart disease, weight gain, and stroke. This report shows that more than 50% of American adults are diagnosed with diabetes. Youth diabetes is also on the rise according to the American Diabetic Association. Then, there is the impact on our emotional well-being - anxiety, depression, and obesity are on the rise for many teens and adults.
Two-thirds of adults (66%) said they have been told by a healthcare provider that they have a chronic illness—including high blood pressure (28%), high cholesterol (24%), or arthritis (17%). And, 37% of respondents said they have a diagnosed mental health condition—a 5 percentage point increase from pre-pandemic levels.
More recently, the sources of stress have changed over the last decade. Half of adults (50%) reported that media is a stressor and that the news is not focusing on what is most important to them on a day-to-day basis. And, three in five (59%) reported that the political climate adds to their stress due to the incongruence of interest. This report helps us understand that two types of well-being are interconnected and interdependent. Collective Health and Well-Being (as a society) and Personal Health and Well-Being (as individuals). Both are equally important and both play a critical role in how we show up in our lives for ourselves, our families, our work, our schools, or even as simply as a human being on this planet.
So, what do we do when the hot spring boils over and we can't take the heat? The study reports that three in five adults (61%) said people around them just expect them to "get over their stress." Perhpas, you have heard the unempathetic response before, "Just get over it." This approach, while wildly popular, not only is dehumanizing, it lacks evidence-based, and it may contribute to some pretty unhealthy outcomes, as per the mortality rates each year. For the first time in decades, Americans are not living longer. Longevity rates have declined in recent 2022 from 77.0 to 76.1 years which is its lowest level since 1996, according to the CDC. Also, noted, 74% is found to be due to the recent Pandemic.
Perhaps there is a way to escape this morbid reality. "Stress in America" respondants believe the answer lies in connection. So, instead of bottling up your feelings, take time to talk to a safe, supportive individual, family member, friend, therapist, mentor or health coach. Nearly half (47%) of study participants said they wish they had someone to help them manage their stress. As a board-certified Health and Well-Being Coach NBC-HWC and Integrative Health Practitioner IHP, the first step is to find someone you trust; who is non-judgmental, and who will listen, be curious and present to learn your specific needs. It's also important to work with people who will individualize your care and treatment planning. From there, the next step is to assess what is working well and uncover the root cause of ill-being. If you don't look under the hood of your car, there is no way to diagnose the engine. It is the same for humans. Optimal health requires high quality diagnostic testing so you can learn what minerals, vitamins and other needs your body-brain-gut need to function well. Traditional medicine has a purpose, but it lacks getting underneath the surface to learn "why" certain systems are not working properly. Functional medicine, however, looks at your cellular function or lack of function and helps you learn how to optimize your health.
After visiting a hot spring this past fall, I noticed two parallels to life. First, I felt more relaxed. I was able to experience stillness and presence. I noticed the tension melting away in my shoulders, arms, legs and back. Second, I felt lighter as if the toxins were released into the air. This put my mind into a different state. Once toxins were released, it didn't make sense to put more toxins back in. I made to conscious choice to live "toxin-free," which allows me to release myself from ill-being - negativity, polarization, bias, and poor health. Instead, I'm eating more whole, nutritional foods; exercising more, finding meaning and purpose in my work, and connecting with people who are whole, healthy and well.
This new journey to well-being includes staying away from anything or anyone that is toxic, including the news, social media, and humans who are addicted to negativity and toxicity. I even went so far as to complete a Detox program and improved my biomarkers for health and longevity. Isn't it time you dipped your toe into the spring to live "toxin-free," stress less and live more today?
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