Tegan Marshall, the founder of Glowable, has dedicated her career to helping people reduce stress and improve their overall well-being. Drawing on her experience and passion for holistic health, Tegan has developed Glowable’s Stress Relief Formula to help people better manage the physical and emotional toll of stress.
In this interview, Tegan shares her insights into how stress affects the body, the power of adaptogenic herbs like Ashwagandha, and simple strategies to bring more balance into everyday life.
Tegan, as a clinical naturopath, you’ve helped many people manage their stress levels. Can you share some of the most common signs that stress is negatively impacting someone’s life, and how early intervention can make a difference?
Stress manifests in many ways, both physically and emotionally. Some common signs include persistent fatigue, brain fog, inability to concentrate, difficulty sleeping, irritability and uncontrollable mood swings, poor libido, and a general feeling of being overwhelmed.
Physically, you might notice digestive issues, muscle tension, headaches, racing heart, irregular menstrual cycle, poor immunity, poor wound healing and more. These symptoms are often your body’s way of signalling that it’s struggling to cope with ongoing stress. Your body is always sending signals, and it’s up to you to listen.
Early intervention is crucial because chronic stress can lead to more serious health problems, such as high blood pressure, metabolic disorders, clinical depression and/or anxiety, neurodegenerative diseases, osteoporosis, reproductive dysfunction such as infertility, thyroid disease, autoimmune conditions, early ageing and even early mortality.
By addressing stress early on, you can prevent these more severe outcomes and restore balance to your life. Simple lifestyle changes, such as incorporating mindfulness practices, regular physical activity, and a balanced diet, can make a significant difference.
You’ve developed Glowable’s Stress Relief Formula to support overall wellbeing. What inspired you to create this specific formula, and how do the ingredients work together to balance mood and reduce stress?
The inspiration behind Glowable’s Adapt formula came from witnessing the toll that chronic stress takes on people’s lives. I wanted to create something that not only addressed the symptoms of stress but also supported the body’s resilience over time. The formula is a blend of key adaptogens, vitamins, minerals and amino acids that work synergistically to promote a balanced mood and reduce stress.
For example, Ashwagandha is a key ingredient known for its ability to lower cortisol levels and promote relaxation. Vitamins and minerals like B6 and magnesium glycinate support the nervous system and help regulate mood. Together, these ingredients provide a comprehensive approach to stress management, helping people feel more grounded and in control of their wellbeing.
Ashwagandha is gaining popularity for its stress-relieving properties. Could you explain the benefits of Ashwagandha and why it’s such a powerful tool in managing stress and supporting overall health?
Ashwagandha is truly a remarkable herb with a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine. Its primary benefit lies in its adaptogenic properties, meaning it helps the body adapt to stress and maintain equilibrium.
One of the most significant ways Ashwagandha does this is by lowering cortisol levels, the hormone released in response to stress. Lower cortisol levels translate to a calmer mind and a more balanced mood.
In addition to its stress-relieving properties, Ashwagandha supports overall health by boosting the immune system, enhancing cognitive function, and improving energy levels. It’s a powerful tool for anyone looking to manage stress naturally while also supporting their body’s resilience to everyday challenges.
Stress doesn’t just affect our mood—it can have a visible impact on our hair, skin, and nails. How does stress manifest physically, and what advice would you give to someone struggling with stress-related skin or hair issues?
Stress can wreak absolute havoc on our physical appearance, especially our skin, hair, and nails. Elevated cortisol levels can lead to increased oil production in the skin, resulting in acne or other inflammatory conditions. It can also cause hair thinning or loss by disrupting the hair growth cycle. For nails, stress can weaken them, making them more prone to breaking or splitting.
For those struggling with stress-related skin or hair issues, my advice would be to first address the underlying stress. This might involve lifestyle changes like improving sleep hygiene, incorporating relaxation techniques, or even seeking professional support.
Additionally, nourishing your body from the inside out is crucial—focus on a diet rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and vitamins that support skin and hair health. Supplements like Adapt can also be beneficial, as it’s designed to combat the effects of stress at a cellular level.
Many people struggle with hormonal imbalances due to stress. How do stress hormones like cortisol impact our body’s functions, and what natural strategies do you recommend to help restore balance?
Cortisol plays a vital role in the body’s stress response, but when levels are chronically elevated, it can lead to hormonal imbalances that affect various bodily functions. High cortisol can interfere with the production of other hormones, in particular progesterone, leading to issues like irregular periods, weight gain, and even fertility challenges.
To restore balance, I recommend a multifaceted approach that includes stress management techniques like meditation and/or hypnosis, breathwork, yoga and pilates to lower cortisol levels. Making time in your day to slow down and connect with your breath is essential.
Additionally, supporting the adrenal glands with adaptogenic herbs like Ashwagandha can be very effective. A diet rich in whole foods, particularly those high in fibre and healthy fats, also supports hormonal health. Ensuring you get adequate sleep and maintaining a regular exercise routine are other critical components in keeping your hormones in check.
With the rise of wellness powders and supplements, how can consumers differentiate between quality products and those that might not live up to their claims? What should people look for when choosing a stress relief supplement?
In such a crowded market, it’s essential to educate yourself on the quality and sourcing of ingredients. Look for products that are TGA approved, and third-party tested for purity and potency, as this ensures that what’s on the label is actually in the product.
It’s also important to choose supplements that use clinically proven ingredients in therapeutic doses—this information should be transparent and accessible from the brand.
I also recommend looking for formulas that are free from unnecessary fillers, artificial colours, and preservatives. Trustworthy brands will often have certifications which can further assure quality. At Glowable, we pride ourselves on using only the highest quality ingredients in our formulas, ensuring that our products deliver real, tangible benefits.
In today’s fast-paced world, stress seems almost unavoidable. What are some of your favourite alternative methods for managing stress that go beyond traditional supplements and medication?
While supplements can be a powerful tool in managing stress, I always preach for a holistic approach that includes lifestyle changes.
One of my favourite methods is practising breathwork or meditation, which can help ground you in the present moment and reduce the mental chatter that often accompanies stress. Even just 5-10 minutes a day can make a significant difference.
Another strategy I recommend is regular physical activity. Exercise is a natural stress reliever and can help lower cortisol levels while boosting endorphins. Whether it’s a brisk walk, yoga, or pilates, find something you enjoy and make it a regular part of your routine.
Last but not least, I encourage my community (and myself) to prioritise self-care—this could be as simple as taking time to relax with a good book, spending time in nature, or connecting with loved ones. Stress management is about finding balance in all areas of life.
