You Might be Addicted to Stress

Stress is not just in our heads. It is written into our bodies, shaping how we think, act, and recover. In this two-part series, global speaker and resilience expert Jenny Evans reveals how stress chemistry impacts everything from decision-making to energy, and how we can retrain our bodies and minds to thrive.

Jenny shares both her personal story and science-backed strategies to help us reset stress, rewrite the stories we tell ourselves, and build resiliency that lasts. These episodes will leave you with practical tools to manage your chemistry and create sustainable well-being.

Featured Episodes

Episode 62: Stress Reset + Resiliency

Jenny introduces the “Sneaky Pete” brain, the part of us hijacked by cortisol that shuts down creativity and clear thinking. She explains how even short bursts of physical activity can reset our chemistry in seconds.

She also shares her personal journey from small-town beginnings to becoming a global expert, highlighting how her personal “beliefs manifesto” helps silence negative self-talk and guide bold choices.

💬 “High levels of cortisol can devastate our immune systems. They make us crave high fat, high sugar, crappy foods. They put the body into fat storage mode. Most people just really don’t understand how much it is affecting literally every aspect of your life.”

Episode 63: Stress Addiction + Resiliency

In part two, Jenny explains how our bodies can actually become addicted to stress chemistry, making calm states feel uncomfortable. She walks us through how neural pathways form the “stories” that drive our actions, and how to rewrite those stories through repetition and intention.

Jenny introduces the three pillars of resilience—body science, soul science, and brain science—and clarifies the difference between stubbornness and true resiliency. She reminds us that small, consistent changes are more effective than extreme measures.

💬 “Oh, girl, the last thing that you need is one more thing.”

Key Takeaways from Jenny’s Story

• Stress Is Chemistry: Cortisol controls far more than we realize, from cravings to fat storage to mood.

• Microbursts Reset the Brain: A quick 30–60 second burst of movement restores clear thinking.

• Stories Shape Actions: Our neural pathways are built by repetition, but they can be rewired.

• Pillars of Resilience: True strength comes from balancing body, soul, and brain science.

• Sustainable Change Is Small: Tiny, repeated actions beat extreme fixes every time.

Proclamations Applied

• Stand Strong Against Challenges: Jenny shows how resetting stress chemistry strengthens us in the face of pressure.

• Make Resilience a Superpower: By understanding the science of stress, resiliency becomes an everyday tool.

• Learn through our Journeys: Her personal story proves that resiliency grows from both science and lived experience.

• Turn Challenges into Opportunities: Stress addiction becomes a chance to rewrite stories and reclaim choice.

• Build Strong, Supportive Communities: When we manage stress well, we show up more fully for others.

• Prioritize Well-Being: Short resets and small changes protect body and mind from burnout.

• Learn from Setbacks: Each stress spiral becomes a chance to practice new tools.

• Cultivate Emotional Intelligence and Empathy: Managing our chemistry helps us respond with compassion instead of reactivity.

• Lead with Integrity and Authenticity: A beliefs manifesto helps guide decisions that reflect our values.

• Pursue Knowledge and Self-Improvement: Understanding the science of stress equips us for healthier lives.

Ready to reset your stress and strengthen your resilience? Subscribe to the Reignite Resilience newsletter for more science, tools, and stories to help you thrive in every season of life.

🔗 Listen to all episodes here: Reignite Resilience Podcast

Tools to Resiliency

• Do a Microburst: 30–60 seconds of movement (jumping jacks, push-ups, squats) resets brain chemistry.

• Write a Beliefs Manifesto: Create a guiding set of personal truths to silence self-doubt.

• Notice Stress Addiction: Ask yourself if calm feels “wrong.” That’s a sign of cortisol dependence.

• Rewire the Story: Practice new, supportive narratives with consistent repetition.

• Choose Small Changes: Focus on one micro-shift daily rather than extreme overhauls.

Stress may be part of life, but it does not have to control our lives. Jenny Evans reminds us that resiliency is built not just through mindset, but through chemistry, practice, and daily choices. May these episodes inspire you to reclaim your energy, rewire your stories, and reset your stress with strength and compassion.

With clarity and hope,
The Reignite Resilience Team