“The DESTRESS™ Protocol doesn’t require perfection. It invites you to move forward—one habit, one choice, one day at a time.”
August is National Wellness Month—a perfect time to focus on your health. But where should you start?
The good news? You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. By making small, consistent changes, you can improve your well-being day by day. One powerful guide to follow is Dr. Stephen Cabral’s DESTRESS™ Protocol. This holistic approach targets every key area of wellness and can easily be personalized to your lifestyle.
Let’s explore each pillar and how you can begin creating healthy habits today.
1. Diet: Nourish Your Body From Within
What you eat matters. Your food choices directly affect your energy, mood, and long-term health.
Start with small adjustments:
- Add more colorful vegetables to your meals
- Cut back on processed foods
- Include healthy fats like avocado, olive oil, and wild-caught fish to support brain and hormone health
2. Exercise: Move More, Stress Less
You don’t need hours in the gym to feel better. Even light movement makes a difference.
Try:
- 20-minute walks in nature
- Gentle stretching in the morning
- At-home strength workouts a few times a week
The goal isn’t intensity. It’s consistency. Regular movement supports detoxification, improves circulation, and boosts your mood.
3. Stress Reduction: Find Your Calm
Chronic stress can sabotage your health. That’s why learning how to manage it is essential.
Start here:
- Practice deep breathing
- Journal each morning or evening
- Try guided meditation or breathwork
Just 10 minutes a day can help reset your nervous system and create a sense of peace.
4. Toxin Removal: Cleanse Your Environment
Toxins are everywhere—from the food we eat to the air we breathe. While total avoidance isn’t possible, you can lower your toxic load.
Here’s how:
- Drink filtered water
- Switch to natural cleaning and personal care products
- Try a 7-day detox or elimination plan to reduce inflammation
Your body is designed to detox—but it needs your help. When in doubt, think whole, unprocessed, and nutrient-dense. If you’re unsure where to begin, the Dr. Cabral Detox is a great place to start.
5. Rest: Prioritize Sleep and Recovery
Sleep isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity.
Begin by:
- Going to bed at the same time each night
- Avoiding screens at least an hour before sleep
- Creating a calming nighttime routine
Aim for 7–9 hours of deep, uninterrupted sleep. Your body heals best when you rest.
6. Emotional Balance: Support Your Mental Health
True wellness includes emotional well-being. It’s okay to not feel okay sometimes—but it’s important to have tools to cope.
Start small:
- Reach out to a friend or support group
- Practice gratitude daily
- Try Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) or talk therapy
Your mental and emotional health deserve just as much care as your physical health.
7. Supplementation: Fill in the Gaps
Even with the best diet, most people need extra support.
Key foundational supplements include:
- A daily activated multi-vitamin
- Daily fruit & vegetable blend greens powder
- Omega-3
- A high-quality probiotic
These essentials help cover nutritional gaps, support gut health, and promote energy, immunity, and overall wellness.
8. Success Mindset: Set the Foundation for Lasting Change
A healthy body starts with a healthy mind. Your mindset influences your habits, decisions, and long-term results.
Start cultivating a success mindset by:
- Setting clear, realistic health goals
- Visualizing the version of yourself you’re working toward
- Celebrating small wins to build momentum
Consistency, not perfection, creates transformation. When you believe you can succeed, you're already halfway there.
Start Where You Are—One Healthy Habit at a Time
National Wellness Month is the perfect opportunity to check in with yourself. The DESTRESS™ Protocol doesn’t require perfection. It invites you to move forward—one healthy habit, one choice, one day at a time.
Looking for a deeper dive into these principles? Explore Level 1 of the Integrative Health Practitioner Certification to learn how to bring this protocol into your life—and help others do the same.
Learn more about how to prioritize your health by checking out our last blog featuring simple ways to stay active without a gym!
