Stress And Your Adrenals

When we talk about stress, we often focus on mindset or workload. But at a physiological level, stress is largely governed by a small yet powerful system in the body: the adrenal glands.

The adrenal glands sit on top of each kidney and play a central role in how your body responds to life, emotionally, physically, and energetically.

They are not simply “stress glands.”
They are survival glands.

The adrenal glands have two main parts, each with a distinct role.

The outer layer: cortisol production

The outer cortex of the adrenal glands produces corticosteroid hormones, the most well-known being cortisol.

Cortisol is released in response to:

• Stress

• Low blood sugar

• Inflammation

• Perceived threat

In healthy amounts, cortisol is essential. It helps:

• Regulate inflammation

• Mobilise energy

• Support metabolism

• Maintain blood sugar balance

However, when cortisol levels remain elevated for long periods of time, it can contribute to:

• Weight gain

• Suppressed immune function

• Increased heart rate and blood pressure

• Long-term health concerns

The inner layer: fight-or-flight hormones

The inner medulla of the adrenal glands produces adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine).

These hormones prepare the body for immediate action by:

• Increasing heart rate

• Increasing breathing rate

• Sharpening focus

• Heightening alertness

When activated briefly, this response is protective.
When activated chronically, it can leave the nervous system stuck in a heightened state of vigilance, often experienced as anxiety, restlessness, or overwhelm.

Over time, this constant demand can lead to adrenal depletion and fatigue.

Common Sources of Adrenal Stress

Adrenal stress doesn’t come from one place alone. It is often cumulative and layered.

Common contributors include:

• Emotional stress and ongoing pressure

• Food stress, particularly excess sugar or caffeine

• Medications, especially corticosteroids

• Lack of sleep, rest, or recovery

• Thermal stress from heat or cold extremes

• Environmental and energetic stressors

Often, people experiencing adrenal strain are not “doing too much” they are responding to too much for too long.

Adrenal stress can present in many ways, including:

• Mood swings or irritability

• Blood sugar instability

• Headaches

• Chronic fatigue

• Digestive issues

• PMS or hormonal imbalance

• Allergies or skin concerns

• Frequent infections

• Sensitivity to noise or light

• Difficulty concentrating

These symptoms are not signs of weakness. They are signals from the body that it has been working hard to keep you safe.

Adrenal Stress Through a Kinesiology Lens

In kinesiology, adrenal stress is often observed in stages:

• Level 1: Everyday stress — the body is coping, but under increased load

• Level 2: Ongoing or chronic stress — compensation patterns begin to appear

• Level 3: Near burnout — when even small stressors feel overwhelming

At this point, rest alone may no longer feel restorative, because the nervous system has not yet felt safe enough to stand down.

Support for adrenal health is multi-layered and individual, and may include:

• Nervous system regulation

• Nutritional support such as vitamin C and adrenal-supportive herbs

• Structural and meridian balancing

• Grounding practices and safety cues for the body

Burnout is not a personal failure.
It is a physiological response to prolonged stress without adequate recovery.

Sometimes the body isn’t asking you to push harder or do more.

Sometimes it’s asking you to feel safe enough to rest. If you need support, feel free to reach out and we can discuss a plan for you. xx