How to Support Your Stress Pathway Naturally (and Feel Like Yourself Again)

Let’s talk about something that’s affecting everyone right now: stress.

Not the “I spilled my coffee” kind—more like the deep, invisible kind that slowly chips away at your energy, sleep, mood, and hormones.

Whether you’re juggling work, parenting, health, or just trying to stay afloat in a demanding world, your stress pathway (aka the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, or HPA axis) is carrying the load. And when that system gets overworked, you start to feel it everywhere.

The good news? You can support your stress pathway—naturally, gently, and effectively.

What Does It Mean to Support the Stress Pathway?

Your stress response was designed to protect you from short-term threats.
But in today’s world, stress is chronic—and that means your brain and adrenal glands are constantly signaling your body to push, adapt, and stay alert.

That chronic push drains your:

  • Nutrients (like B vitamins, magnesium, and vitamin C)

  • Hormones (especially cortisol, DHEA, and sex hormones)

  • Resilience (your ability to bounce back from stress or overwhelm)

To feel better, you need more than just “less stress.”
You need to build stress resilience—which means:

  • Regulating your nervous system

  • Replenishing key nutrients

  • And supporting your body’s ability to recover from stress over time

Meet Your Herbal Allies: Adaptogens

Adaptogens are a class of herbs that help the body adapt to stress.
They don’t mask your symptoms—they support the systems that are overwhelmed.

Here are two of our favorite, research-backed options:

Ashwagandha: The Calm Restorer

Think of Ashwagandha as a gentle exhale for your nervous system.

✔ Calms anxiety
✔ Lowers stress hormone levels
✔ Supports mood & sleep quality

In clinical studies1, Ashwagandha has been shown to help regulate cortisol and improve quality of life in stressed adults.

Rhodiola: The Energizing Lifter

Rhodiola is your go-to when you’re dragging yourself through the day.

✔ Boosts mental stamina & focus
✔ Supports energy production in the mitochondria
✔ Enhances resilience to physical and emotional stress

A 2018 review confirmed Rhodiola’s role in supporting mood and mental performance during high-stress periods2.

But a quick note: Herbs are powerful—and quality, sourcing, and timing matter. Always work with a qualified practitioner to personalize your plan and avoid interactions.

Want to Learn More? Join Our Free Online Conversation This Friday

Topic: Stress Resilience for Women
Live via Zoom – FREE

This isn't just another stress talk. It's a real, grounded conversation about what’s actually draining your energy, and how to nourish your nervous system from the inside out.

We'll cover:

  • Why you're burned out (even when you're doing “all the right things”)

  • The best ways to support your HPA axis

  • How to use nutrition, movement, and adaptogens for lasting resilience

  • Plus live Q&A to get your personal questions answered

Sign up for theconversation here

You Don’t Have to Power Through

Stress may be a part of life, but suffering through it isn’t a badge of honor.
If you're feeling depleted, short-fused, or like you’re running on empty, let’s shift out of survival mode and help you feel steady, grounded, and vibrant again.

Disclaimer: This post is not meant to treat, cure, prevent, or diagnose conditions or diseases and is meant for educational purposes. As always, please consult your doctor before trying any new treatments or supplements. 

Dr. Jenny Abercrombie

Dr. Jennifer Abercrombie is the founder of the multi-state clinic Naturopathic Wellness and Naturopathic Wellness Global, one of the world’s largest virtual health consulting practices.

https://www.drabercrombie.com/
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