When stress becomes the norm

Many people in leadership positions function brilliantly. Deadlines are met, decisions are made, responsibility is taken. But this often comes at the expense of their own health. Chronic stress isn't a sign of high performance — it's a biological state of emergency.

What happens in the body

Under ongoing stress, the body produces more cortisol and adrenaline. In the short term, this helps with survival. But if this state persists for weeks or months, the metabolism starts to change.

The body burns more energy, raises blood sugar, suppresses recovery, slows digestive processes, and intensifies inflammatory processes. Many people affected feel permanently exhausted, sleep worse, and gradually lose their resilience.

Stress increases the need for micronutrients

Stress doesn't directly "burn" vitamins, but it does increase the body's need for certain nutrients. These include, in particular: magnesium, B vitamins, vitamin C, and omega-3 fatty acids.

These nutrients are important for energy metabolism, the nervous system, and regulating the stress response. A balanced diet can help meet this increased need.

The underestimated link to inflammation

Chronic stress often goes hand in hand with so-called silent inflammation. Today, these low-grade inflammatory processes are linked to numerous conditions — including cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and depression.

Regular exercise, enough sleep, breathing exercises, a Mediterranean-style diet, and deliberate periods of rest can help break this cycle.

My recommendation

Health doesn't mean pushing yourself to achieve even more. Health means regularly giving your body the chance to return to recovery mode. That's the only place where healing, performance, and lasting energy can truly take root.