April/May 2026 Aspire Magazine FULL Issue | Page 64

Chronic stress can keep the nervous system in a constant“ fight or flight” state, which increases inflammatory signaling throughout the body.

Digestion can slow down. Blood sugar may become more unstable. Sleep may become lighter or more fragmented. And inflammatory activity in the body can increase.

Midlife can be an especially demanding stage of life. Many women find themselves balancing work responsibilities, family needs, aging parents, and their own health and life shifts.

Over time, the nervous system can become stuck in a state of constant alertness, which keeps the body from fully shifting into the calm, restorative state where healing and repair occur.

Of course, it’ s impossible to eliminate all responsibilities and challenges.

But you can lower the stress response by incorporating small practices that help signal to the body that it is safe to relax.

Gentle movement can be incredibly helpful. Activities such as walking, yoga, or light exercise support circulation and help regulate stress hormones.

Spending time outdoors, even briefly, can also help calm the nervous system. Nature has a powerful ability to shift the body out of fight-or-flight mode.

Many women also find benefit in simple breathing practices or quiet moments during the day that allow the mind and body to slow down.

And perhaps most importantly, prioritizing restful sleep plays a critical role in reducing inflammation, as sleep is when the body performs many of its most important repair processes.