5 Ways to Increase Resilience to Stress Through Metabolic Health

Illustration of how to increase resistance to stress through metabolic health (Freepik/lookstudio)

YOGYAKARTA - Resilience to stress is not only influenced by mental conditions, but also the body's metabolic health. When the metabolism works well, the body is able to produce enough energy to help the brain regulate emotions, focus, and the recovery process after experiencing stress. Conversely, a disrupted metabolism can make the body more tired, anxious, and difficult to deal with daily stress. Therefore, maintaining metabolic health can be one of the important steps to support mental health and increase resilience to stress.

1. Exercise routine

Exercise helps the body produce energy more efficiently and makes cells work more optimally. Physical activity also helps reduce stress hormones while improving mood. It doesn't have to be heavy exercise, walking, leisurely cycling, or yoga regularly can help the body be more resistant to daily stress. The key is consistency and giving the body enough recovery time after being active.

Illustration of how to increase resistance to stress through metabolic health (Freepik/rawpixel.com)2. Get enough and regular sleep

Sleep is an important time for the body to repair cells and restore energy. When you don't get enough sleep, the body becomes more sensitive to stress and emotions are more easily unstable. In addition to sleep duration, launching Psychology Today, Monday, May 18, a consistent sleep schedule also helps keep the body's natural rhythm balanced. Therefore, try to sleep around seven to nine hours every night so that the body and mind can recover optimally.

3. Eat nutritious food

Healthy eating patterns help the body get the nutrients it needs to produce energy stably. Fruits, vegetables, proteins, nuts, and healthy fats can help keep metabolic functions optimal. On the other hand, too much high-sugar and ultra-processed foods can trigger inflammation and make the body more tired. When the body feels more stable and energetic, the ability to deal with stress also increases.

4. Give the body time to recover

The body can't keep working without a break. After facing intense activity or emotional stress, the body needs time to relax and calm the nervous system. You can give recovery time through simple activities such as walking, listening to music, light meditation, or just resting without gadget interference. This habit helps the body manage stress better in the long run.

5. Maintain a balance of activity and rest

Many people are used to being productive without giving themselves time to stop. In fact, the balance between activity and rest is important to keep metabolic health stable. If the body is forced to work too often without enough recovery, stress will be easier to accumulate and affect mental health. With a more balanced rhythm of life, the body has a better chance of building resistance to stress naturally.

Maintaining metabolic health can be one of the simple but important ways to increase resistance to stress and maintain mental health. Starting from regular exercise, getting enough sleep, regulating eating patterns, to giving the body time to recover, all help the body work more balanced when faced with daily pressures. With small habits that are done consistently, the body and mind can become stronger, calmer, and not easily overwhelmed by stress.