08/07/2026
đ Back to school doesn't just affect your calendar- it can affect your routines too.
When life gets busy, it's easy for health habits to take the back seat. Missed meals, less sleep, fewer workouts, and increased stress can all cause you to feel like you are playing constant catch-up.
Metabolic health is not weakened by stress alone; it's often the habits disrupted by stress that lead to metabolic issues.
It's worth noting stress isn't just a mental load â it's biological. Chronic activation of the HPA axis keeps cortisol elevated, which promotes visceral fat storage, drives insulin resistance, and increases appetite for calorie-dense foods. Over time, this hormonal cascade can compound the weight and metabolic changes that disrupted habits alone don't fully explain.
This school season, instead of aiming for less stress, try focusing on smaller, sustainable habits that support your body:
⨠Prioritize a consistent bedtime
⨠Take a short walk when you can
⨠Practice a few minutes of slow, intentional breathing
⨠Fuel your body with regular meals
Small steps really do add up.
We're here to help. A Foundational Health Assessment (FHA) helps us look at the bigger picture, from nutrition and movement to stress, sleep, and metabolic health. Let us create a personalized plan that works for your life.
đSchedule your FHA today through the link in our bio.
In good health,
Dr. Krista Dewar, DNP, ARNP, FNP-C, DipACLM
Lifestyle Health and Wellness
4855 Asbury Rd #7
Dubuque, IA 52002
P: 563-845-3321
www.lifestylewellnessdbq.com