1.Being chased by an Invisible Tiger:

Join us through the month of April and let’s explore Stress

Stress. It’s the silent predator lurking in the background of modern life, always waiting to pounce. It’s the email that lands in your inbox at 9 PM, the unexpected bill that throws your finances off balance, the gnawing feeling that you should be doing more, achieving more, being more. We live in a state of constant tension, as if being chased by an invisible tiger—only the tiger isn’t real, and the only thing hunting us is our own biochemical response to life’s pressures.

The Biochemistry of Stress: The Cortisol Curse

Our ancestors had a simple relationship with stress: see a predator, run or fight, survive, reset. The stress response—better known as the fight-or-flight mechanism—was designed for short bursts of energy and heightened awareness. When faced with danger, the body releases a cocktail of stress hormones, the most infamous being cortisol.

Cortisol is a life-saving hormone in small doses. It raises blood sugar, sharpens focus, and primes the muscles for action. But in today’s world, there’s no tiger to escape from—just emails, social media notifications, financial pressures, and an endless cycle of comparison and self-doubt. Our bodies never get the signal that the danger has passed. We remain in a state of chronic stress, drowning in cortisol, without ever returning to a place of safety.

The Addiction to Stress: Why We Keep Chasing the Tiger

The mind and body can become addicted to stress. The heightened state of alertness triggers dopamine—the same reward chemical associated with gambling, social media, and substance abuse. This is why some people thrive on deadlines, chaotic relationships, or high-pressure environments. The stress response feels familiar and, in a twisted way, even comforting.

But just like any addiction, prolonged exposure to stress comes at a cost. The constant flood of cortisol leads to:

Inflammation – Cortisol triggers an immune response, and when it’s released too often, it leads to chronic inflammation.

Anxiety & Depression – Chronic stress depletes neurotransmitters like serotonin, making us feel anxious, irritable, and fatigued.

Weakened Immune System – Cortisol suppresses immune function, making us more prone to illness.

Weight Gain & Insulin Resistance – High cortisol increases belly fat and makes the body resistant to insulin, paving the way for diabetes.

Poor Sleep & Brain Fog – Stress disrupts melatonin production, making it harder to sleep and recover.

Inflammation: The Root of Chronic Disease

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or infection. But when it becomes chronic, it turns into the underlying cause of nearly every major illness—heart disease, autoimmune disorders, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and depression.

Think of inflammation like a fire alarm that never shuts off. Over time, it begins to burn the very system it was meant to protect. The foods we eat, the toxins we’re exposed to, and—most importantly—the stress we carry all fuel the fire.

Breaking Free: How to Escape the Cycle of Chronic Stress

Recognize the Tiger is in Your Mind – You are not actually in danger. Remind yourself that most stressors are mental constructs, not physical threats.

Breathe Like Your Life Depends on It – Deep breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, telling your body it’s safe. Try box breathing (inhale 4 sec, hold 4 sec, exhale 4 sec, hold 4 sec).

Move to Dispel Cortisol – Exercise helps metabolize excess stress hormones. A 20-minute walk can work wonders.

Prioritize Sleep – Sleep is the body’s way of resetting. If you’re not sleeping well, your stress levels will stay elevated.

Rewire Your Addiction to Stress – Meditation, mindfulness, and time in nature help recalibrate the nervous system away from constant alertness.

Reduce Inflammatory Foods – Cut down on sugar, processed foods, and excessive caffeine, which all contribute to inflammation.

Set Boundaries – Overworking and overcommitting are forms of self-sabotage. Saying no is an act of self-preservation.

The Final Truth: You Are Not Meant to Live in Survival Mode

We are not meant to be in a constant state of fear, anxiety, and overdrive. The body is built for balance a dance between effort and rest, action and stillness. But modern life keeps us stuck in survival mode, convinced that if we stop running, everything will fall apart.

But what if slowing down is the key? What if the way to truly win is to step out of the invisible tiger’s chase and reclaim your peace?

Because the only way to outrun stress is to stop running altogether.