Dr. Wendy Christien: Understanding Stress – How It Affects Your Body & How to Build Resilience

In this informative episode of Radio Cape Pulpit, Dr. Wendy Christien explains that stress is not just an emotional response – it affects every system of the body. When we face stress, the brain releases adrenaline and cortisol, causing the heart to beat faster, blood sugar to rise, and blood to be redirected to muscles – a normal survival response. However, when stress becomes chronic (due to ongoing work pressures, financial concerns, family responsibilities, or poor sleep), it takes a toll on the body. Symptoms include frequent headaches, neck and shoulder tension, digestive issues, fatigue, brain fog, cravings for sugar and processed foods, difficulty losing weight (especially around the abdomen), lower immunity, hormonal imbalances, elevated blood pressure, and increased risk of heart disease. Dr. Christien emphasises that our nervous systems are adaptable – we can learn to return to a state of calm. Practical daily habits include prioritising good quality sleep, spending time outdoors in natural light, regular movement (even a 20-minute walk), deep breathing exercises, eating nourishing whole foods, maintaining supportive social relationships, and making time for activities that bring joy and rest. She encourages listeners to listen to their body's warning signs and build resilience.