The Sneaky Stress Draining Your Energy
Written by: Lindsay Little, MS — Holistic Health Coach
February loves to talk about hearts. And yes, that’s great. But most of us aren’t wandering around thinking about arteries. We’re thinking about laundry, work emails, and why winter feels twelve months long.
So let’s keep this simple. Your heart pays attention to stress. But not all stress is the same.
Some stress actually gives you energy. Other stress drains you until you’re running on fumes and coffee.
This month, instead of going “all medical” about heart health, we’re going real-life. Let’s talk about the stress that helps you grow, the stress that wears you down, and a few easy ways to give your heart (and your mind) some breathing room.
Two Types of Stress (And Why Your Heart Cares)
There’s the kind of stress your body understands as a challenge. A workout. A brisk walk in the cold. A moment when something feels exciting or new. This kind of stress comes and goes. Your body handles it well.
Then there’s the other kind. The all-day, every-day, “I have twelve tabs open in my brain” kind. That low buzz of busyness, worry, rushing, and mental load.
Your body isn’t great at telling the difference between a real emergency and an overflowing inbox. It reacts the same way either way, and that’s where things start to feel heavy.
One small shift can turn your whole week around.
Your heart doesn’t need you to live in a bubble of calm. It just needs breaks. Small pauses. A chance to reset so the stress that’s supposed to pass through doesn’t become the background noise of your whole life.
Practical Strategies
Here are a few everyday habits that help calm that constant buzz without needing special tools or fancy routines.
Simple ways to lower daily stress:
Take a slow walk on days when everything feels too tight. Even 5 minutes helps you reset.
Try a few deep, steady breaths before jumping into the next task.
Keep meals simple: whole, minimally processed foods you can throw together fast. Save the “fancy” or new for when you have more time and don’t feel stressed.
Add healthy fats like avocado, nuts, or coconut for steady energy.
Sip calming teas like chamomile or holy basil when you need a soft landing. (Or use these essential oils in a diffuser.)
Choose snacks that come from nature, not a package, when possible.
Keep a “busy day” meal list: soup kits, rotisserie chicken, frozen veggies, or simple bowls you can build in minutes.
These are small steps, not big life overhauls. They help your body switch out of that constant “go-go-go” feeling so you can get back to a more balanced rhythm.
Real-Life Application
On a packed week, you might not have time for a long workout. But you can still sneak in small resets. A quick walk after dinner. A calming tea while you warm up the car. A simple whole-food meal that doesn’t take brainpower.
On cold Midwestern days when everything feels heavy, movement can help lift your mood. Nothing intense. Just something that reminds your body it’s safe and supported.
On low-motivation days, keep it ridiculously simple. One small step counts. Your heart doesn’t need perfect. It just needs steady.
These tiny habits work better than you think because they meet you where you are. No guilt. No pressure. Just gentle nudges that help you feel more grounded.
This Week’s Mini Checklist
This Week’s Mini Checklist
[ ] Sip a calming tea at least once this week
[ ] Take one five-minute outdoor or indoor walk
[ ] Build one simple whole-food meal with healthy fats
[ ] Pause for three deep breaths before a busy moment
And remember…
You don’t have to do this alone. Reach out to an instructor, check in with a friend, or find a support system that keeps you going. We’re better together — and small steps get easier when someone’s in it with you.
Hey there! I’m Lindsay — a Holistic Health Coach with a Master’s Degree in Holistic Nutrition and a specialty in gut health. In my virtual practice, Full Bloom Acres Wellness, I help busy women over 35 enjoy the foods they love without the uncomfortable digestive issues that keep getting in the way.
If you ever want more support on your wellness journey, you can find me on Instagram at @fullbloomacres or visit me at www.fullbloomacres.com.
DISCLAIMER: This information is for educational and informational use only and is not meant to diagnose or treat any disease or illness. Please work with a qualified healthcare practitioner before making dietary or lifestyle changes.