Stress made me age overnight – can I reverse it?

Author

Wellbeing Team

22 February, 2026
Stress made me age overnight – can I reverse it?

Intense stress can make it feel as though we’ve aged years in months.

One listener, Julie, shared exactly that on this episode of Age Better, saying: “I feel I’ve aged rapidly with the worry.”

It’s something many of us recognise. Duller skin. Under-eye puffiness. Frequent colds. A sense that our resilience has shifted. So can stress really accelerate ageing? And more importantly – can we undo the effects?

Stream the episode below, or download the recording via Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

How stress affects ageing

When we experience prolonged emotional stress, the body remains in a heightened threat response. Stress hormones, cortisol and adrenaline remain elevated for longer than they’re designed to be. Over time, this can:

If you’re picking up every cold going, Liz is clear: “It’s not a coincidence. This is your immune system saying, ‘hello, I’ve been under strain for too long’.”

Stress and ageing are closely linked because true repair only happens when the body feels safe.

Can we reverse stress-related ageing?

As Liz explains, the answer is reassuringly positive.

“Periods of intense stress can make it feel as though we’ve aged overnight,” she says. “But that doesn’t mean that the damage is permanent. The body is remarkably capable of repair.”

When stress reduces and recovery increases, many outward signs, from skin vitality to immune resilience, can improve.

But the solution isn’t to push harder.

How to support recovery after chronic stress

Prioritise sleep

“Sleep one of the strongest immune and anxiety regulators that we have,” says Liz. Aim for earlier nights and consider a magnesium supplement and a calming wind-down routine.

Signal safety to your nervous system

Daily daylight, gentle walks and slow breathing are all simple (and effective methods) for dealing with stress.

“They’re signals to your brain that the danger has passed,” says Liz. When cortisol lowers, repair can resume.

Nourish, don’t punish

“This is not the time to be pushing or striving,” Liz cautions. “Recovery happens when the body feels it’s supported, not when it’s being bullied.”

Focus on protein (immune cells are “protein hungry”), omega-3 fats, zinc, vitamin D and gut-supporting foods. Around 70% of our immune function is linked to the gut.

Also in this episode:

  • Bridal beauty tips for an inside-out glow
  • Is there a link between menopause and neurodivergence?
  • What can I do about puffy bags under my eyes?
  • Should I be taking plant sterols for high cholesterol?

Links mentioned in the episode:

Get in touch with a question for Liz:

More from Liz:

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