The Stress Effect, Week 4: Hormones, Skin, Sleep & Brain

In the final week of our Stress Month series, we explore how stress disrupts the hormones, sleep, skin, and even the brain. Stress isn’t just mental—it shows up everywhere, from restless nights to breakouts to brain fog that follows you through the day. We break down how stress hormones like cortisol and testosterone get knocked off balance, slowing recovery, sapping energy, and even raising the risk of bone loss. We look at how stress robs runners of endurance and power while also leaving non-runners drained and sluggish. Add in sleepless nights, skin flare-ups, and mental fog, and stress proves to be a whole-body experience. To close the series, we share strategies for better sleep, balanced hormones, healthy skin, and mental clarity. Whether you’re chasing miles or just chasing peace of mind, this episode helps you recognize the physical toll of stress—and how to start reclaiming your health.