12. From Overwhelmed to Grounded: Understanding Stress in Real Life

In this episode of Overflow: A Women’s Wellness Roundtable, hosts Becky Webb, Bronwyn Deiter, and Andrea Lehman have an honest and relatable conversation about something every woman experiences: stress.Not the kind of stress we talk about in theory, but the kind that shows up in real life.The stressful weeks.The unexpected triggers.The moments where your body feels tight, your mind starts spiraling, and you’re not quite sure how to come back to center.This episode is rooted in real experiences from busy schedules and chosen commitments to deeper emotional stress tied to past trauma. It’s a reminder that stress doesn’t always come from what’s happening right now… sometimes it’s connected to what we’ve already been through.And most importantly, it’s a conversation about what we can actually do about it.✨ What We Talk About• The difference between acute stress and chronic stress• Why not all stress is bad—and how some stress can build resilience• How stress impacts hormones, especially cortisol and adrenal function• Why chronic stress can affect women more deeply over time• The connection between past experiences, trauma, and present-day stress responses• How stress shows up physically in the body (tight chest, shoulders, back pain, etc.)• Why many women are disconnected from their stress levels• The role of thoughts and mindset in creating (or reducing) stress• How emotional health directly impacts physical health• Simple ways to regulate your nervous system in real time🏡 Key Takeaways1. Not all stress is bad.Short-term stress can actually support the body and build resilience. The issue is when stress becomes chronic.2. Chronic stress impacts hormones.When cortisol is constantly elevated, the body prioritizes stress over hormone balance—affecting energy, mood, and long-term health.3. Stress isn’t just physical—it starts in the mind.Your thoughts about a situation can amplify or calm your body’s response.4. Your body holds onto emotional experiences.Unprocessed emotions and past trauma can show up as physical symptoms and heightened stress responses.5. Awareness is the first step.Many women don’t even realize how stressed they are until they begin paying attention to their breath, body tension, or thought patterns.🌿 A Different Way to Look at StressOne of the most powerful shifts in this episode is understanding that:You may not be able to control your circumstances…but you can begin to shift your response to them.Stress often feels automatic.But when you slow down and become aware of your thoughts, your breathing, and your body—you create space to choose something different.We talk about simple, grounding tools like:• Intentional breathing• Speaking truth over your thoughts• Stepping back and reframing situations• Getting outside and reconnecting with your body• Processing emotions instead of suppressing themBecause healing isn’t just physical.It’s emotional.It’s mental.It’s spiritual.🧪 Practical Support for StressWe also touch on simple, supportive tools to help the body during stressful seasons:• Nourishing your body consistently (even when you don’t feel like it)• Supporting minerals and adrenal health• Using tools like the adrenal cocktail for energy and stability• Creating rhythms of rest, food, and recoveryThese aren’t quick fixes, but they are powerful supports when used consistently.💛 A Final ThoughtStress is part of life.We will all experience it.But living in a constant state of stress is not how your body was designed to function.This episode is an invitation to slow down, become aware, and begin supporting your body and mind in a more intentional way—so you can move from survival mode back into overflow.Join us over on instagram@beckyjwebb@andrealahman@cleangreenstartDon’t miss our FREE resourcesFind ALL the show notes at overflowpodcast.substack.com - Our Hyperlinks don’t seem to show up on Apple and you can find us there! Becky’s Free Resources Andrea’s Free Resources Bronwyn’s Free Resources This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit overflowpodcast.substack.com