17/06/2026
How can long periods of survival mode impact our health?
We often hear about survival mode and how to overcome the impact of what it does to us emotionally and mentally... but do we realize what it can actually do for us physically?
If you have spent a significant portion of your life in a fight-or-flight energy, being hypersensitive to dangers, it will eventually manifest as anxiety, panic attacks, and later down the line, hormonal imbalances and cortisol fluctuations.
But what about our gut? This is where an incredible network of neurotransmers and nerves exist—often known as your "second brain." This is why working with your vagus nerve to settle your nervous system is so incredibly important.
If you're anything like me, born into survival mode and spending the rest of your life navigating fight-or-flight, risk-taking behaviors through friendships, relationships, coping mechanisms, and then entering the "people-pleasing" era... you will find yourself burning your internal candle not just at both ends, but exhausting your life force entirely.
So, where does all that pent-up energy go?
Many of us experience digestive issues as a result. Whether that be intolerances later in life, IBS, or if you're lucky like me, IBS with visceral hypersensitivity. It manifests into feeling like you're having a heart attack after eating an apple... or eating nothing.. sounds like fun eh?
Feom going down the low-FODMAP diet route and removing all triggers, coeliac tests, meditating and yoga.. it can feel utterly exhausting when you're already spending so much time trying to even out cortisol triggers and focusing on prebiotic gut health... to still be experiencing these flare ups!
But when you know you have spent a lifetime skating the edge of the cliff emotionally and mentally... even when now mentally you are handling stressful situations with ease, your gut still notices a stressful environment. It hits the panic button and—hello back to exhaustion, bloatedness, pain, and overall discomfort.
If this sounds at all like you, you can take a few easy steps to reduce the inflammation immediately.
First: Deep breathing.
I know you may think this is just hype, but shallow breathing keeps your nervous system stuck in Defcon 2. Let's take it down a bit and let our bodies know we are safe back into defcon 5.
🌬Inhale for 4 seconds, and exhale for 8 seconds. Do this at least 3 times, getting that air right to the base of your lungs.
Then, make this simple tea.
These ingredients can be found in most supermarkets and health food stores.
🪵Raw licorice root: You can even chew on this like you're a cowboy from the West! It is a powerhouse for coating and protecting a raw stomach lining.
(Note: Skip the licorice if you're pregnant, but for everyone else, it's magic!)
🫚And fresh ginger root: (Which is amazing for morning sickness and everyday nausea! 👌)
Chop them up, brew in a saucepan with water for a few minutes, and then pour into a cup. This helps move along any blockages with ease while calming your gut and bringing you back to normal.
🌱 Fresh peppermint tea can also be a great continuous ally to digestion.
By taking these steps and learning to work with your triggers and stressors, you can take back control of your health. After all, "a stitch in time saves nine."
Don't put your health on the back burner. Eventually, the chickens come home to roost. Take care of you and your gut, and the rest will sort itself out.
Much love,
~ Roxanne ~
Spiritually and Physically Being ✨️
