Content created in partnership with Clinicians

We are all affected by stress at various times in life, and with Christmas on the horizon and the cost of living crisis still impacting New Zealanders across the country, it’s not surprising that you may be feeling extra pressure right now. 

Ongoing life stress can spike your stress hormones, affecting your mood, mental focus and your ability to handle everyday challenges with a sense of calm. What’s more, you could be finding yourself in a vicious cycle of feeling wired but tired, with an inability to achieve restful sleep which adds to the feelings of frustration and fatigue.

When life doesn’t seem to be going your way, it’s important to be able to support your body and mind to give you the tools to cope effectively. Here, Clinicians naturopath Jane Cronin answers often-asked questions around how the body is affected by stress and what we can do to help support our nervous system in times of need. 

What happens to our bodies when we go through extended stress?

Dealing with stress is not just mental; it’s physical. The "fight or flight" response, a biological reflex triggered by the sympathetic nervous system, was once essential for survival. Today, this response is activated by modern stressors like work pressure, financial worries, or family issues. 

When this system is in overdrive, the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for rest and recovery, is suppressed. Over time, this imbalance can lead to burnout, characterised by exhaustion, mental fog, weakened immune function, and digestive issues. Prolonged stress can also disrupt brain function and the autonomic nervous system, making it harder for the body to relax and recover.

Staying in a stressed state for too long can negatively impact health and can sometimes lead to issues such as poor sleep, overheating at night, low energy, cravings for unhealthy foods, central weight gain, poor immunity, brain fog, high blood pressure, and head tension.

I can’t avoid stress, there’s too much going on. So how do I support myself?

You’re right—stress is unavoidable, especially with the pressures of work, family, and finances. The key is supporting your body’s natural response to stress during the resistance phase, which follows the initial stress spike and involves cortisol release. If the fight or flight response stays elevated, it can lead to feeling wired but tired.

Clinicians Calm and Focus is designed with this in mind, supporting the body towards a normal relaxed state. It supports the body’s ability to cope with stress and normal sleep patterns. While some stress is beneficial for motivation and achievement, finding the balance between being "on" and resting is crucial.

So how can we support ourselves in times of stress?

Activating the parasympathetic nervous system is key to counteracting stress effects. Practices like deep breathing, meditation, adequate sleep, and moderate exercise are essential. 

Grounding and stress supporting herbs such as those found in Clinicians Calm and Focus, can also be beneficial. This supplement contains Withania (Ashwagandha) to support stress and feeling calm, and Zembrin^®, which supports mental clarity, focus and calm. After long-term stress or illness recovery, Clinicians Stress and Energy Support can assist the body with energy levels and stress balance. It’s formulated with herbs such as Siberian and Korean ginseng and other nourishing herbs and nutrients. 

Stress often disrupts sleep, so be mindful of screen time before bed and adopt regular calming practices like mindful breathing or meditation to calm the nervous system.

‍I try to do everything ‘right’, but I feel constantly run down and on empty. Why?

Despite your efforts, feeling run down may result from long-term stress. B vitamins are essential for energy and nervous system function, so can be supportive at this time. Clinicians B Complex Active is a high-dose supplement that is great to take in the morning to support daily energy at times of busyness. 

Long term stress has an effect on many areas of the body. Managing stress effectively, supporting adrenal health, replenishing key nutrients, and prioritising quality sleep are essential steps to prevent exhaustion and maintain overall wellbeing.

Click this link to enter the draw to be in to win a Free Consultation with Clinician Naturopath Jane Cronin and 6 months' worth of recommended Clinicians supplements.

Visit clinicians.co.nz to find out more about their research based range of stress, sleep and mood products, or book a free consultation with one of their naturopaths.

‍Always read the label. Use as directed. If symptoms persist, see your healthcare professional. Dietary supplements are not a replacement for a balanced diet. Douglas Pharmaceuticals, Auckland. TAPS MR10979.