Why You’re Feeling Stressed & Overwhelmed

If you’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Stress has become a modern-day epidemic—research suggests that over 80% of doctor visits are linked to it. But why does it feel so unmanageable?

The truth is, our DNA hasn’t changed much in the last 10,000 years, but our environment has evolved faster than we can adapt. This has created an evolutionary mismatch, where our bodies, minds, and spirits are struggling to navigate the sheer volume of triggers in today’s world.

The Role of Epigenetics

Our genes respond to these triggers, and the choices we make daily can switch certain genes on or off—a process called epigenetics. Everything from pharmaceuticals and caffeine to pollution and meditation influences our genetic expression. And while some triggers promote health and resilience, others contribute to inflammation, oxidative stress, and imbalance.

For instance, research shows that sulforaphane, a compound found in cruciferous vegetables, activates around 500 defense genes in the body. These genes help fight inflammation, enhance detoxification, and protect against cellular damage. Our food choices, therefore, play a massive role in our health, yet many of us feel disconnected from what nourishes us.

Food, Cravings, and Industry Influence

We’re hardwired to crave fat and sugar—survival mechanisms from a time when food was scarce. Today, the abundance of highly processed, hyper-palatable foods has thrown our natural instincts out of balance. These foods are designed to be irresistible, with flavors, textures, and even packaging engineered to make us crave more.

The processed food industry, controlled by a handful of mega-corporations, is worth over $1 trillion. While convenient, these foods contribute to stress on our bodies. To guard your health, focus on whole, minimally processed foods. Skip the “natural flavors” and additives often hidden in so-called healthy options like vegan meats and dairy alternatives.

Movement, Connection, and Community

Another shift we’re navigating is a life of convenience. Most of us aren’t moving as much as past generations, and exercise has become optional. But it doesn’t have to be complicated—150 minutes a week of moderate activity (like a 30-minute walk five times a week) can dramatically reduce the risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

At the same time, technology has replaced many in-person interactions, leaving us feeling isolated or disconnected. Studies on Blue Zones—communities where people live the longest—show that strong social bonds and regular connection are key to health and longevity.

Disconnection from Natural Rhythms

We’re also increasingly disconnected from the natural rhythms of light, dark, and nature. Our bodies are wired to follow the circadian rhythm, but modern life—screens, artificial light, and late-night schedules—has disrupted this vital cycle. Poor sleep and focus are just some of the consequences.

Reconnecting with nature can be grounding and healing. Walking barefoot on natural surfaces (known as earthing) connects us to the Earth’s energy fields, while time spent in biodiverse environments, like forests or oceans, can enhance our microbiome and nervous system.

Breaking the Cycle

Our modern lifestyle comes at a cost—but we don’t have to accept it as normal. To support your well-being, think of yourself as an outlier. Here’s how:

• Shop the perimeter of the grocery store for fresh, whole foods.
• Take breaks from technology to reset your nervous system.
• Spend time with loved ones and build strong social connections.
• Move your body regularly, even in small ways.
• Connect with nature and honor your body’s need for rest.

For women especially, living in alignment with natural cycles—whether hormonal, lunar, or seasonal—can help avoid burnout and restore balance.

The Power of Small Choices

Wellness doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Every choice you make, no matter how small, has the potential to ripple into something greater. Reconnect with your rhythms, nourish your body, and prioritize rest. In these small, mindful shifts lies the magic of living a happy, healthy life.