Social-Ize Your Health Podcast ™
I just love a health and wellness story! I hope you do too. The whole idea of changing one’s life, healthily, truly resonates with me. As such, good health is to be shared, and if you are not there yet, it won’t be long before, as you join us on ‘Social-Ize Your Health'.
Social-Ize Your Health is a monthly, Jamaica-based health and wellness podcast, exploring practical, science-informed topics related to everyday health, nutrition, fitness, skincare, and overall wellbeing. We will also provide you with the opportunity to share your health and wellness stories and a whole lot more! So, you can go healthy like you mean it!
Join me, Dr. Shelly Ann (not medically), a Researcher, Educator, Certified Nutrition Coach, and most importantly, a Health and Wellness Nut, as I explore the mentioned topics with you and have other candid conversations surrounding health and overall wellbeing. Just like that!
Join me nuh!
Update: 🌿 Exciting news! The podcast episodes are now coming to you weekly, while still keeping the seasonal theme you love. I hope you’ll enjoy these bite-sized, healthful insights as we continue to Social-Ize our health together.
Catch you on the next episode — and as always, stay blessed!
Disclaimer:
This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider regarding any health concerns or before making changes to your health routine.
Social-Ize Your Health Podcast ™
Stress is Normal - But What It’s Doing to Your Body Isn’t
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We all experience stress. In fact, stress is a normal part of life. But when stress becomes chronic, that's where the problem begins.
In this episode, we explore the science behind stress, what happens inside the body during prolonged periods of stress, and practical, evidence-based strategies to help build resilience and support overall wellbeing.
Whether you're juggling work, family, caregiving, business, or simply the demands of everyday life, this episode will help you understand why managing stress isn't about eliminating life's challenges, it's about helping your body recover.
***You can find the full list of researched references and further readings below.
Main Discussion Points
- What stress really is - Is it a bad thing?
- Acute stress vs chronic stress
- What chronic stress does to the body, including brain, immune system and skin
- The gut-brain connection
- Practical ways to reduce stress and build resistance
- Health Myth Debunked
Stay in the Know:
*** Subscribe to the blog's newsletter to stay informed and enjoy additional health and wellness topics.
Related/Helpful Episodes:
- You’re Sleeping...But Are You Resting?
- Can You Really Catch Up on Sleep Over the Weekend?
- Is Your Lifestyle Quietly Damaging Your Brain?
- Sleepmaxxing – Optimizing Sleep Like a Hacker
- Gut Health: Why It Matters!
Resources/Freebies:
1. Helpful Blog Posts/Videos:
- Top 5 Foods for Memory and Brain Health
- Longevity Habits from the World’s Blue Zones
- Video: Let's Talk Brain Health
2. Almonds and Olivez Wellness Blog
References and Further Reading
- Adam TC, Epel ES. Stress, eating and the reward system. Physiol Behav. 2007 Jul 24;91(4):449-58.
- Alotiby A. Immunology of Stress: A Review Article. J Clin Med. 2024 Oct 25;13(21):6394.
- American Psychological Association (https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/body)
- Arck PC, Slominski A, Theoharides TC, Peters EM, Paus R. Neuroimmunology of stress: skin takes center stage. J Invest Dermatol. 2006 Aug;126(8):1697-704.
- Bobok N, Taskesen T. Stress-Induced Changes of the Skin: A Narrative Review. Cureus. 2025 Nov 7;17(11): e96285.
- Carabotti M et al. Ann Gastroenterol. 2015;28(2):203-209.
- Chu B, Marwaha K, Sanvictores T, et al. Physiology, Stress Reaction. [Updated 2024 May 7]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan.
- Cohen S, Janicki-Deverts D, Miller GE. Psychological stress and disease. JAMA. 2007 Oct 10;298(14):1685-7.
- Harvard Health (https://www.health.harvard.edu/)
- Henein MY, Vancheri S, Longo G, Vancheri F. The Impact of Mental Stress on Cardiovascular Health-Part II. J Clin Med. 2022 Jul 28;11(15):4405.
- Lupien SJ, McEwen BS, Gunnar MR, Heim C. Effects of stress throughout the lifespan on the brain, behaviour and cognition. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2009 Jun;10(6):434-45.
- Mariotti A. The effects of chronic stress on health: new insights into the molecular mechanisms of brain-body communication. Future Sci OA. 2015 Nov 1;1(3): FSO23.
- Mayer EA. Gut feelings: the emerging biology of gut-brain communication. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2011 Jul 13;12(8):453-66.
- McEwen BS. Protective and damaging effects of stress mediators. N Engl J Med. 1998 Jan 15;338(3):171-9.
- McEwen BS. Brain on stress: how the social environment gets under the skin. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2012 Oct 16;109 Suppl 2(Suppl 2):17180-5.
- Meerlo P, Sgoifo A, Suchecki D. Restricted and disrupted sleep: effects on autonomic function, neuroendocrine stress systems and stress responsivity. Sleep Med Rev. 2008 Jun;12(3):197-210.
- Rahelić V, Perković T, Romić L, et al. The role of behavioral factors on chronic diseases-practice and knowledge gaps. Healthcare (Basel). 2024; 12(24):2520.
- Segerstrom SC, Miller GE. Psychological stress and the human immune system: a meta-analytic study of 30 years of inquiry. Psychol Bull. 2004 Jul;130(4):601-30.
- Steptoe A, Kivimäki M. Stress and cardiovascular disease. Nat Rev Cardiol. 2012 Apr 3;9(6):360-70.
- Sun Y et al. J Alzheimers Dis Rep. 2025; 9:25424823251338161.
- Torres SJ, Nowson CA. Relationship between stress, eating behavior, and obesity. Nutrition. 2007 Nov-Dec;23(11-12):887-94.
- Vaccarino V, Bremner JD. Stress and cardiovascular disease: an update. Nat Rev Cardiol. 2024 Sep;21(9):603-616.
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Thanks for listening! Have a great day!