This post may contain Amazon or other affiliate links
We all deal with stress. It’s part of being human. But what happens when the occasional chaos of life doesn’t let up, and your body starts to sound the alarm in subtle but serious ways? That’s the territory of chronic stress, and if you’re over 40, your body may be feeling it more intensely than ever.
Let’s break down what chronic stress actually is, how to spot the warning signs before it snowballs into something more serious, and what you can do to bring your body back into balance.
Acute Stress vs. Chronic Stress: What’s the Difference?
Stress, in short bursts, isn’t always bad. Acute stress is your body’s normal response to a challenging situation. Your heart rate goes up, your body gets a rush of cortisol and adrenaline, and you’re temporarily on high alert.
But when stress is constant—work pressure, family responsibilities, financial worries, perimenopause—it becomes chronic. And chronic stress is dangerous. Your body isn’t designed to stay in fight-or-flight mode long-term. This prolonged cortisol elevation can quietly wreak havoc on everything from your hormones to your digestion.
5 Symptoms of Chronic Stress You Shouldn’t Ignore
1. Constant Fatigue
No matter how much you sleep, you wake up feeling drained. Chronic stress keeps your body in a heightened state, using up energy reserves around the clock. Elevated cortisol disrupts your natural energy rhythms, leaving you feeling wiped.
2. Weight Gain (Especially Around the Belly)
Not all weight gain is about calories. High cortisol signals your body to store fat (particularly around the midsection). If you’ve been struggling with stubborn belly fat, stress hormones may be to blame.
3. Poor Sleep or Insomnia
Do you have trouble falling asleep, or find yourself waking up at 2 a.m. with a racing mind? This is a classic sign of cortisol disregulation. Cortisol is supposed to decline in the evening, but when it’s out of balance, your body thinks it’s still go-time.
4. Mood Swings, Irritability, or Depression
Stress can drain neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, making you feel anxious, low, or overwhelmed. Over time, this can mimic symptoms of depression.
5. Digestive Issues
When your body is stuck in fight-or-flight, digestion takes a back seat. Chronic stress can lead to bloating, constipation, IBS flare-ups, and a general sense of gut imbalance.
Why Chronic Stress Is So Dangerous
If left unchecked, chronic stress doesn’t just make life harder; it impacts nearly every system in the body. It disrupts hormone production, weakens the immune system, increases inflammation, and throws off blood sugar balance. Research shows that chronic stress and depression often go hand-in-hand, and elevated cortisol has been linked to everything from heart disease to cognitive decline.
Why It Hits Harder After 40
Hormonal shifts that begin in perimenopause and beyond make your body more sensitive to stress. Estrogen plays a protective role in stress regulation, and as levels decline, cortisol spikes hit harder and last longer. That’s why symptoms of chronic stress in women over 40 can feel more intense, especially when it comes to sleep, weight gain, and mood swings.
How To Manage Chronic Stress Before It Manages You
The good news? You don’t have to overhaul your life to make progress. You just need to start small and stay consistent. Here’s what can help:
-
Incorporate stress-reducing rituals like meditation, gentle movement, or walking in nature.
-
Eat meals with protein and healthy fat to stabilize blood sugar (which helps calm cortisol).
-
Support your nervous system with adaptogens and nervines, which is where our Cortisol Tea Bundle comes in.
The Cortisol Tea Bundle: Herbal Support For Chronic Stress
Our Cortisol Tea Bundle includes two blends that are formulated to help bring your body and cortisol levels back into harmony.
-
Cortisol Daytime Tea: Combines adaptogenic Tulsi with antioxidant-rich Rooibos and relaxing Lemon Verbena to reduce inflammation, support digestion, uplift your mood, and bring a sense of balance. A perfect way to start or power through your day.
-
Cortisol Evening Tea: Formulated with nervines like Skullcap and Oatstraw, plus calming Ashwagandha and cleansing Dandelion Root. This tea helps quiet your body and mind, reduce nighttime cortisol, and support restful sleep.
Together, these teas support your body from sun-up to wind-down. And unlike supplements, they’re a soothing daily ritual that you’ll actually look forward to.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to wait for your body to break down to start healing. Chronic stress is real, but it’s manageable, especially when you know the signs and have the right tools on hand.
Still have questions about the Cortisol Teas? We've answered them all here!
Disclaimer: The information on this website is has been compiled from published sources and is provided only as a guide. While every effort has been taken to ensure that information published on this site is correct and up to date, this is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any illness. Also, although all of our teas are generally regarded as safe, please consult your doctor before trying any herbal remedies, especially if currently using medication, pregnant or breastfeeding.