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“The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.”
— William James
🧠 1. Stress Shrinks Our “Thinking Space”
Chronic stress has been shown to reduce the volume of the prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain responsible for decision-making and focus. When that space shrinks, even basic tasks can feel overwhelming.¹
❤️ 2. Mood Swings & Emotional Drain
High cortisol levels from long-term stress can deplete your body’s serotonin supply—the very hormone that helps you feel emotionally steady.² This can lead to irritability, anxiety, and a sense of emotional depletion.
😴 3. Sleep Disruption Creates a Vicious Cycle
Stress is one of the top causes of insomnia, according to the American Psychological Association.³ And lack of sleep only makes you more sensitive to stress—creating a loop that feels hard to break.
🔧 Tools for Calmer Days
- 📚 Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers by Robert Sapolsky — A surprisingly funny and accessible deep dive into how stress affects the mind and body, with tools for managing it from both a scientific and practical angle.
- 🛌 Weighted Eye Mask & Aromatherapy— This combination of light pressure and calming scent (like lavender) helps quiet your nervous system and promotes deeper rest.
💭 Final Reflection
Stress is a visitor we can’t avoid—but we can prepare for its arrival.
With knowledge, awareness, and gentle tools, stress becomes less of a threat and more of a teacher.
Choose one small shift today—a thought, a product, a pause—and notice what happens when you meet stress with softness. 🌿
🌫️ Curious about who’s behind My Peace Nest?
Learn more about the heart and story behind this space on the About page. It’s a quiet introduction—just like everything here.
⚠️ Affiliate Disclosure
This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting My Peace Nest.
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