If your body is constantly in a state of fight-or-flight, you’re not going to thrive—no matter how clean your diet is or how many miles you run.
“Our body is a cellular library, and our thoughts, words, and experiences are the books that fill those cells,” Cole explains. Translation? What you’re feeling emotionally doesn’t stay in your head—it embeds itself in your body.
Chronic stress isn’t just exhausting—it’s inflammatory. Over time, it can contribute to hormone imbalances, digestive issues, skin problems, sleep disruptions, and more. But what makes things even trickier is the shame people feel about their stress. Cole refers to this compounding effect as “shameflammation.”
Think about it: You’re burned out from work, you snap at your partner, and then feel guilty for not being present. You skip a meal, grab something quick, and then shame yourself for not eating “healthy.” That shame creates more stress, and the cycle repeats.
How to break the cycle: Stress management doesn’t mean pretending everything is fine or adding “relax” to your to-do list. It means finding tools that help your nervous system regulate. For some, it’s breathwork or meditation. For others, it might be a walk in nature or a 10-minute phone call with a loved one. The goal isn’t to eliminate stress (not possible), but to create moments of safety and calm within your day.
