Adrenal Stress: How to Recognise It and What You Can Do

Do you ever feel like you’re running on empty, no matter how much you rest? Stress is something we all experience, but when it becomes constant, it can leave us feeling drained, overwhelmed, and unable to cope. Over time, this can lead to what many call adrenal stress or burnout.

Let’s look at what stress really is, how it shows up in your body and mind, and some simple steps you can take to support your energy and wellbeing.

What Is Stress?

Stress is the body’s adaptive response to demands or pressures placed upon it. A little bit of stress can be useful – it sharpens our focus and prepares us for challenges. But when stress is prolonged, it creates a disturbance in our physical and emotional wellbeing.

Short-term stress often triggers the body’s “fight or flight” response.

This can cause:

• A racing heartbeat

• Raised blood pressure

• Shallow, rapid breathing

• Increased sweating

• Muscle tension

• Dry mouth

• Frequent urination

• Nausea

This is the body trying to keep us safe. But if we stay in this state for too long, it begins to wear us down.

Signs and Symptoms of Stress

Stress affects us in many ways. Here are some common signs to watch for:

Physical

• High blood pressure or chest pains

• Headaches or migraines

• Digestive issues such as indigestion

• Back pain, aches, and general fatigue

• Poor sleep patterns or insomnia

• Frequent colds and infections

Emotional

• Irritability, defensiveness, or aggression

• Mood swings, anxiety, or depression

• Feelings of failure or low self-esteem

• Loss of sense of humour

• Cynicism or bitterness

Behavioural

• Talking excessively, twitching, or fidgeting

• Becoming forgetful, making mistakes

• Avoiding friends and family, withdrawing socially

• Overworking but achieving less

• Procrastination or reluctance to complete tasks

• Neglecting self-care and personal appearance

Left unchecked, long-term stress doesn’t just impact your mind – it can also increase the risk of circulatory problems, chronic fatigue, digestive disorders, and skin conditions.

The Adrenal Connection

Your adrenal glands sit on top of your kidneys and play a key role in how your body handles stress. They release hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which help you respond to danger or pressure.

But when you’re constantly under stress, the adrenals become overworked. Imagine them as your body’s batteries – stress keeps draining them without giving them time to recharge. The result? Exhaustion, poor immunity, brain fog, irritability, and sometimes full-blown burnout.

Common Causes of Stress

Everyone’s stress triggers are different, but here are some common ones:

• Work pressure or long hours

• Relationship difficulties

• Money worries or debt

• Health issues or over-medicating

• Addictions or overuse of alcohol/caffeine

• Family conflict or bereavement

• Exams, deadlines, or school runs

• Travel frustrations or parking problems

• Lack of nutritious food and reliance on processed foods or fizzy drinks

• Environmental pollution

Sometimes we blame others because we struggle to handle our own reactions. What makes it worse is when we’re told to “get a grip” or “pull yourself together” – this dismisses the real impact of stress and only adds to the burden.

Three Steps to Support Your Adrenals

The good news is that you can begin to recover and protect your adrenal health with simple daily actions.

Step One: Nourish with Vitamin C

Vitamin C is like Rescue Remedy for the adrenal glands. Aim for around 1000mg a day from a good brand, such as Higher Nature Buffered Vitamin C Powder, Immune+ with zinc, or Fizzy C (free from artificial sweeteners). You can also add a multi supplement to support your whole body repair and rebalance. These can be ordered via Natural Dispensary (Miranda Welton Practitioner).

Mustard Flower Remedy can also give you much needed emotional support. It is for those who are liable to times of gloom or despair, like a dark cloud has overshadowed them and hidden their light and their joy of life.

Step Two: Take Time Out

If your job or daily routine is the main source of stress, time away is essential. When we’re too close to a situation, we go on autopilot. Stepping back helps us gain perspective and make healthier decisions about what really matters.

Step Three: Add Joy Back In

Do something that makes you glad to be alive. Try joining a class, dancing, singing in a community choir, swimming, or going for walks in nature. Even simple things like gardening with loved ones, walking the dog, or volunteering can help lift your mood and recharge your energy.

And don’t forget to limit screen time on phones and tablets. While we often turn to them to “relax,” they tend to add to stress and even fuel addictive habits.

Final Thoughts

Stress is part of life, but it doesn’t have to control your life. By recognising the signs early and making small supportive changes, you can protect your adrenal health and rebuild resilience.

Think of your adrenal glands as your body’s batteries – give them the chance to recharge daily, and you’ll feel more balanced, energised, and ready to enjoy life again.

✨ Take one small step today – whether it’s nourishing your body, booking a break, or simply laughing with loved ones. Your future self will thank you.

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