Century of Change Series
A three-part exploration of how shifts in diet, movement, and stress have shaped modern metabolic health.

Early 20th century: Physical strain and communal coping

Daily life in the early 1900s was rooted in physical effort. Farming, factory work, and manual trades created predictable cycles of exertion and recovery. Stress often came from weather, illness, financial strain, or resource scarcity, but many people had strong community ties, shared rituals, and faith practices that helped counterbalance these pressures.

Stress responses followed a familiar rhythm: a clear challenge, a physical effort to address it, and a natural return to baseline. This pattern aligned closely with the body's physiology, allowing for recovery that modern routines often disrupt.

Mid-20th century: Social change and new expectations

Industrialization and urbanization introduced different forms of strain. Work became more structured, less physical, and increasingly tied to schedules and productivity metrics. Global conflicts, rapid cultural shifts, and emerging family dynamics layered new psychological pressures onto daily life.

Scientific interest in stress expanded during this era. Researchers such as Hans Selye described stress as a biological response to demands, prompting deeper awareness of how prolonged tension affects health. This work contributed to modern explanations of metabolic dysfunction by clarifying how repeated stress exposure influences long-term physiological patterns.

Late 20th century: Acceleration and information load

Technology reshaped work, communication, and home life. Cars replaced walking, televisions filled evening hours, and computers began to drive productivity. These developments increased convenience but also reduced natural movement and introduced new forms of cognitive load.

Stress became less about acute challenges and more about ongoing demands. Many people experienced long stretches of low-grade tension without meaningful recovery. These patterns contribute to inflammation, hormonal strain, and the broader metabolic instability described in chronic disease.

Modern era: Constant stimulation and intentional regulation

Today, stress is often tied to connectivity, speed, and information density. Notifications, emails, and rapid news cycles create a sense of urgency that rarely lets the nervous system settle. Digital life can also drive comparison, distraction, and emotional overload.

At the same time, interest in stress regulation has grown. Practices such as breathing exercises, mindfulness, prayer, and time in nature are being reclaimed as tools to help restore balance. These strategies reflect the "breathe" and "think" pillars of the Four Foundations of Wellness, offering simple ways to support emotional steadiness and metabolic health.

Building resilience today

Reclaiming a healthy relationship with stress involves creating intentional boundaries and supporting the nervous system through regular restorative practices. This includes limiting digital noise, cultivating meaningful relationships, and weaving calm moments into daily rhythms. These habits help move modern life closer to the natural ebb and flow that earlier generations experienced.

Integrating these approaches into a broader wellness lifestyle makes stress regulation a sustainable part of daily living rather than an afterthought. With steadier routines, people can build clarity, resilience, and a more grounded sense of well-being.

Moving forward: Restoring calm in a fast-paced world

Stress will always be part of life, but how we relate to it has changed. By pairing modern awareness with timeless practices-steady breathing, clear boundaries, and moments of reflection-we can counterbalance the strain of constant stimulation. These habits help restore nervous system stability and support long-term vitality in a world that rarely slows down.