How I got shingles from stress — and why It changed my life forever

How I got shingles from stress — and why It changed my life forever

In 2010, I started The Healthy Mummy from my lounge room when I was pregnant with my first baby and had a burning passion to help mums live healthier lives. What began as a simple idea quickly grew into a movement that supported millions of women worldwide.

By 2014, the business had exploded. We had millions of mums in our community, were transforming lives, and helping women lose over 3 million kilograms. From the outside, it looked like everything was a dream come true.

But behind the scenes?

I was falling apart.

The Day My Body Said "Enough"

In the middle of another chaotic work week, I noticed a painful rash developing on my shoulder and neck. I brushed it off as a spider bite, but the pain got worse - sharp, burning, nerve-like pain that wouldn’t let up. A visit to the doctor confirmed something I never expected at 36:

Shingles.

Shingles is caused by the same virus that gives you chickenpox — the varicella-zoster virus - which lies dormant in your nervous system and reactivates during times of severe physical or emotional stress. The doctor gently told me my immune system was under attack, and my body was screaming for help.

That diagnosis shook me. But it wasn’t the only warning sign.

I Wish I Knew Then What I Know Now

Back then, I didn’t understand just how damaging chronic stress is to our bodies. I wore my busyness like a badge of honour. I was constantly “on”, pushing through exhaustion, running a business, raising my kids, being everything to everyone.

Looking back, I wish someone had sat me down and said:

“Rhian, your body is not built to live in a state of constant fight or flight. You can’t pour from an empty cup. This level of stress will take everything from you - your energy, your health, and your joy.”

And they would have been right.

Things Got Worse Before They Got Better

Over the next few years, I pushed through - like so many women do. But the stress didn’t go away. It built. My body kept sending me signs - burnout, chronic fatigue, anxiety, hormone imbalances - and eventually, I realised something had to change.

In 2022, I made one of the biggest decisions of my life:

👉 I sold the business.
And it was the best thing I ever did — for my health, my sanity, and my family. 

A New Beginning: Zing Wellbeing

Now, I run Zing Wellbeing — my new passion and purpose. This time, it’s different.

Zing Wellbeing isn’t just a business. It’s a mission to help women avoid what I went through — to heal, thrive, and live well without burning out and to look after every area of their health - from weight to gut health, to hormones to mental wellbeing.

We focus on holistic health — physical, mental, emotional, and hormonal. It’s not about restriction or hustle. It’s about nourishment, balance, and support. You can see the program here

I’ve spent years learning what true wellness looks like — and I’m here to share everything I’ve discovered.

So… What Is Shingles?

Shingles is a viral infection caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus. It affects the nerves and usually shows up as a painful rash on one side of the body or face.

Common Symptoms:

  • Burning, tingling, or stabbing pain

  • Red rash or blisters

  • Sensitivity to touch

  • Fever, headache, and fatigue

  • Long-term nerve pain (postherpetic neuralgia)

It typically affects older adults or those with weakened immune systems - but chronic stress can absolutely trigger it at any age.

Adrenal Fatigue: The Silent Epidemic

I was diagnosed with adrenal fatigue — a condition that occurs when your adrenal glands are overworked from chronic stress and can no longer keep up.

Common Symptoms:

  • Constant fatigue, even after rest

  • Cravings for salt and sugar

  • Trouble sleeping

  • Brain fog and poor memory

  • Hormonal imbalances

  • Anxiety or irritability

  • Weakened immunity

It’s often ignored or misdiagnosed — but the impact is real.

How I Healed (And What You Can Do Too)

Healing didn’t happen overnight. It took intentional changes and deep self-compassion. Here’s what helped me, and what is now part of the Zing Wellbeing ethos:

1. Prioritise rest and recovery.

Schedule real downtime. Say no without guilt. Honour your body’s need to pause.

2. Nourish your body, don’t punish it.

Food is fuel, not the enemy. Support your hormones and gut with real, nutrient-dense meals.

3. Seek support.

You don’t have to do it all alone. Whether it’s coaching, community, or therapy - support matters.

4. Reconnect with your body.

Gentle movement, breathwork, walking, lifting weights - these aren’t just for fitness, they’re tools for healing.

5. Create space for joy.

Joy is medicine. Make time for the things that light you up.

If You’re Feeling Burnt Out… Please Listen to Your Body

Stress doesn’t just affect your mood - it affects every system in your body. It’s not a sign of weakness to slow down. It’s a sign of wisdom.

And if you’re where I was - exhausted, overwhelmed, trying to hold it all together — please know:

You’re not alone.
You don’t have to earn rest.
And it’s never too late to reclaim your wellbeing.

And you can check the Zing Wellbeing program here

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