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Metabolic health is often overlooked as a factor that shapes how you handle stress.

Poor metabolic health increases the risk of obesity and diabetes as well as anxiety and depression.

By improving mitochondrial efficiency, you can better regulate your stress response and recovery.

Habits such as exercise, sleep, nutrition, and circadian rhythm can build your stress resilience.

You’ve probably heard the advice: If you’re stressed, go for a walk. If you’re still stressed, go for another walk. While physical activity is often recommended to relieve stress, recent research highlights a fascinating connection: Your metabolic health, especially how well your mitochondria work, plays a key role in how your mind and body respond to stress. Mitochondria, the tiny engines inside your cells, influence your mental health and your ability to recover from stress.

Many people know that stress can affect their metabolic health. For instance, stress can increase your risk of gaining belly fat, putting on weight, and developing high blood sugar. Yet, fewer realize that the relationship goes both ways. Your metabolic health influences how well you cope with stress and your risk for anxiety and depression.

Understanding the link between stress and metabolic health can give you a new way to approach stress management. By improving your metabolic health, you can not only become healthier and more energized but also better handle challenges.

How Stress and Mitochondria Are Connected

Every time you feel stressed, your body needs extra energy. During a “fight or flight” response, your heart beats faster, and your breathing speeds up to........

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