Do you feel like you’re constantly running on caffeine, adrenaline, and willpower — yet still exhausted?

In this episode, Alison breaks down the science of stress and why your body feels tired even when you’re “doing everything right.”

Discover how cortisol, sleep, hormones, and the modern hustle culture collide to leave you burnt out — and how to get your energy, balance, and focus back.

💥 What you’ll learn:

How stress actually affects your body and hormones

Why being “tired but wired” is a cortisol issue, not a character flaw

Simple ways to reset your sleep and energy cycle

How training stress + life stress can lead to hidden burnout

The daily practices that rebuild resilience and calm your nervous system

🎯 Action Step:

Start a daily nervous system reset.

It could be three slow breaths, a short walk, or five minutes without your phone — just one mindful pause to remind your body it’s safe to switch off.

🔗 For more science-backed coaching, visit www.abperformance.training

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📚 References

McEwen, B. S. (2007) ‘Physiology and neurobiology of stress and adaptation: Central role of the brain’, Physiological Reviews, 87(3), pp. 873–904.

Sapolsky, R. M. (2004) Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers: The Acclaimed Guide to Stress, Stress-Related Diseases, and Coping. 3rd edn. New York: W.H. Freeman.

Tsigos, C. and Chrousos, G. P. (2002) ‘Hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, neuroendocrine factors and stress’, Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 53(4), pp. 865–871.

Meerlo, P., Sgoifo, A. and Suchecki, D. (2008) ‘Restricted and disrupted sleep: Effects on autonomic function, neuroendocrine stress systems and stress responsivity’, Sleep Medicine Reviews, 12(3), pp. 197–210.

Van Cauter, E. and Spiegel, K. (1999) ‘Sleep as a mediator of the relationship between socioeconomic status and health: A hypothesis’, Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 896(1), pp. 254–261.

Kellmann, M., Bertollo, M., Bosquet, L., Brink, M., Coutts, A. J., Duffield, R., Erlacher, D., Halson, S. L., Hecksteden, A., Heidari, J., Meeusen, R. and Mujika, I. (2018) ‘Recovery and performance in sport: Consensus statement’, International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 13(2), pp. 240–245.