Understanding stress, when the body stays stuck in alarm mode

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Stress is part of life. It helps us meet challenges, make decisions, and perform well when it matters most. But not all stress is the same. While some situations energize us, others can place a long-term burden on our body and nervous system.

Eustress and distress, the two faces of stress

Not all stress is harmful.

Eustress describes positive stress. It arises when we experience a challenge as exciting, motivating, and manageable. The anticipation of a trip, the birth of a child, a new project, or a sporting challenge are all examples. This kind of stress gives us energy and supports our growth.

Distress, on the other hand, arises when pressures persist over a longer period of time, or when we feel unable to cope with them. The body remains in a state of constant alarm, without enough time for rest and recovery.

Why time feels different under stress

Many people report that time seems to fly by during stressful periods. The reason: our brain is simultaneously processing countless tasks, thoughts, and stimuli, leaving less attention available for the present moment.

In acutely dangerous situations, however, the opposite can occur. The release of adrenaline causes the brain to process information with particular intensity, creating the sensation that time is suddenly moving more slowly.

Stress also affects your metabolism

Stress doesn’t only influence our thoughts and feeling. it also affects our metabolism.

The stress hormone cortisol ensures that energy is quickly made available to the body. At the same time, it can increase appetite and promote fat storage, particularly in the abdominal area.

This mechanism was once an important survival advantage. In times of food scarcity or danger, the body could draw on its energy reserves. Today, however, this extra energy is often no longer used up through physical activity. The result can be cravings, weight gain, and metabolic disorders.

When stress leads to exhaustion

Chronic stress doesn’t always show up immediately. A state of fatigue, inner restlessness, reduced resilience, and exhaustion often develops gradually.

Many people find that despite getting enough sleep, they no longer feel truly rested. They experience concentration difficulties or a constant sense of having to keep functioning. These are important signals from the body that its energy reserves are depleted and that more recovery is needed.

The role of the nervous system

Our autonomic nervous system constantly regulates the balance between activity and rest.

While the sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for performance and reaction, the parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for relaxation, regeneration, and healing. An important component of this system is the vagus nerve.

The vagus nerve connects the brain to the organs and plays a central role in digestion, sleep, heart rate, immune function, and emotional balance. Chronic stress can impair its function and cause the body to remain stuck in alarm mode.

How you can support your nervous system

The good news: our nervous system is adaptable and can learn to return more easily to a state of rest and recovery.

  • Craniosacral therapy & reflexology: Both belong to the passive methods that can help the body release tension and regulate the autonomic nervous system. Many people experience deep relaxation and improved body awareness during treatment.
  • Breathing exercises and mindfulness: Slow, conscious breathing stimulates the vagus nerve and signals safety to the body. Meditation and mindfulness practices can also help sustainably reduce stress levels.
  • Movement: Regular exercise, walks in nature, yoga, or moderate sport all help break down stress hormones and support recovery.
  • Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in vegetables, fiber, and healthy fats supports not only metabolism but also gut health. Since the gut and nervous system are closely connected, the vagus nerve also benefits from healthy eating habits.

My holistic approach

Stress never affects just the mind. It influences the nervous system, metabolism, digestion, sleep, and many other areas of the body.

In my practice, I therefore look not only at individual symptoms, but at the person as a whole. Using osteopathic, craniosacral, reflexology-based, and other complementary therapy approaches, I support the body’s natural regulatory mechanisms.

The goal is to relieve your nervous system, strengthen your capacity for self-regulation, and bring more energy, balance, and wellbeing back into your everyday life.

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