platforms amplify this dynamic as fear from cyberbullying reaches record highs . Furthermore , information on these platforms has become a stew of facts , opinions and halftruths designed to grab attention and drive clicks , leading to a vicious cycle of consumers feeling anxious about being anxious .
Our reaction to stress is often manifest through the bidirectional sympathetic (“ fight or flight ”) and parasympathetic (“ rest and digest ”) nervous systems , interconnected mind-body functions that direct our reactions to both danger and safety . Yet , despite discourse around the benefits of integrative healthcare , the prevailing healthcare system often treats the physical , mental and emotional aspects of health separately . While anxiety affects every aspect of health , diagnostic and treatment silos make it challenging to treat the whole person .
Medical doctors focus on anatomy and physiology ; psychiatrists on brain chemistry and emotions ; and psychologists on perceptions and behaviors . Fragmented assessment facilitates treatment viewed through the narrow lens of the specialist who provides it and oftentimes leads to an overemphasis on prescription medication rather than addressing the root causes of anxiety . Medication , of course , can be an important component of mental health and should be considered with medical oversight . However , an integrated and complementary approach can promote healthier ways to understand and manage anxiety , including the development of coping mechanisms that build and maintain resiliency . The spa and wellness industry ’ s program machinery and relationship with its customers can provide this whole-person approach , delivered in an emotionally safe , welcoming environment . It can create programs and deliver services that demystify anxiety and empower people to utilize evidence-based tools and techniques to manage stressors . Not every news story , smartphone ping or work demand yields a crisis . While raising awareness about anxiety and mental health issues is crucial , increased awareness may exacerbate dysregulation if not properly contextualized . For example , stress is often associated with negative outcomes yet can be beneficial when it is a driving force for action that reduces it . In workplace studies , younger employees often report feeling stressed by excessive work pressures that can lead to anxiety attacks and burnout . Learning to become agile in such situations can drive better performance while simultaneously reducing the debilitating impact of stress . By recontextualizing stress we can reduce its negative impact , increase resilience and enjoy a better quality of life .
“ Despite discourse around the benefits of integrative healthcare , the prevailing healthcare system often treats the physical , mental and emotional aspects of health separately .”
The Nervous System as a Part of the Solution The body is constantly working to balance its internal and external stressors . We now have access to wearable devices that can alert us to some of these signals so that we can adapt , but we also need to understand the process .
Heart rate is a biomarker that can help contextualize anxiety , as it spikes during stress exposure . Techniques like breathwork and meditation can lower heart rate . The variability of one ’ s heart rate ( HRV ) can indicate how efficiently one shifts between states of stress , a sign of resilience . Using wearables like smartwatches and fitness trackers , individuals can track their HRV and gain insight into anxiety . Such insight can be enhanced by understanding factors that control it . Since WELLZoomers have the highest incidence of using wearables to track health metrics ( 86 percent ), the wellness industry should consider integrating them and other markers into programs .
MARCH / APRIL 2025 n PULSE 23