In our pursuit of optimal health, it’s easy to get caught up in popular wellness trends like cold plunges, intermittent fasting, and sauna sessions. These practices are widely praised for their numerous benefits, such as boosting metabolism, enhancing recovery, and promoting longevity. However, when taken to extremes, they can have the opposite effect, potentially harming your overall health.

Our bodies are designed for survival, with the fight-or-flight response being a key mechanism. This response, controlled by the sympathetic nervous system, triggers a surge of cortisol—the stress hormone—when we encounter stressors. While short-term stress can be beneficial, improving focus, performance, and even aiding in fat loss, chronic stress is detrimental. It can lead to burnout, fatigue, and various health issues.

Overdoing activities like cold plunges, extended fasting, or intense sauna sessions can keep your body in a prolonged state of stress, leading to consistently high cortisol levels. This can disrupt sleep, weaken the immune system, and cause hormonal imbalances, ultimately undermining your wellness goals.

Balance is key. Use these practices as tools to enhance your health, but avoid making them daily rituals that push your body too far. By listening to your body and practicing moderation, you’ll maintain harmony in your wellness journey, ensuring long-term benefits without the risk of chronic stress.