#StressAndHealth #MindBodyConnection #HiddenStress #WellnessJourney #SelfCareMatters #HolisticHealth #BreakTheStressCycle When the Body Says No: The Cost of Hidden Stress by Gabor Maté is a book that deeply resonated with me as it explores the profound connection between stress and illness. Maté's compelling arguments have convinced me that our emotional and psychological well-being directly affects our physical health, and that chronic stress can lead to a multitude of diseases, ranging from heart conditions to cancer and autoimmune disorders. One of the key insights that Maté shares is the physiological impact of stress on our bodies. When we find ourselves in stressful situations, our bodies release hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, priming us for either confrontation or escape. While this "fight-or-flight" response is crucial for immediate survival, prolonged or frequent activation of this response can have detrimental effects on our overall h