Stress is defined as a state of mental or emotional strain caused by adverse circumstances. At one point or another, most people deal with feelings of stress. One study found that 33% of adults reported experiencing high levels of perceived stress.
Stress can leave a negative impact on our minds and bodies that are devastating but there are ways to lessen the effects. Here we will mention some of the things stress does to the mind and body and some ways to de-stress.
Part of the natural response to stress or danger is to fight or flight. When this occurs your body releases cortisol which is a hormone that increases sugar in your bloodstream and brain. This increased sugar gives the energy to fight but it also shuts down the digestive and immune system. This process can have long-term unintended effects. Persons who stay in a stressful living situation, job or lifestyle that keeps them hypervigilant and anxious will have continuous release of cortisol which reap havoc on your Physical and Mental well-being.
Stress may lead to or cause:
Headaches
Cancer
Digestive issues
Muscle Tension
Fatigue
Unexplained Illnesses
Worsen Blood Pressure
Sleep Disorder
Anxiety
Mood swings
Irritability
Mind racing
Depression
Loss of motivation
Exercise
Regular exercise has been shown to decrease stress and also decrease cortisol level. Avoid vigorous exercise late evening or close to bedtime. Instead do easy jogging, walks after dinner or do relaxing yoga and deep breathing.
Stay Present
Be aware of and stay present in the moment. Live moment to moment instead of worrying about the future. Think positive thoughts and meditate to slow down the racing of multiple ideas in your mind.
Express your emotions.
Write down your fears, thoughts and feelings by keeping a journal. Making a list of your daily activities-posted is a good idea (use different colors to keep things organized/categorize). Celebrate whatever task is done in a day and feel accomplished that you have gotten something done - remember Rome was not built in a day and there is always tomorrow.
Develop A Village
Develop a village of supporters, friends and people who care about you. You don’t need a large crowd to clap or cheer for you. Surround yourself with a few positive people and stay away from negative influences, ideas and situations. Get a pet of your choice. Having a dog will push you outdoors to get fresh air and appreciate people and things when you are out walking. Walking lets the brain release good chemicals that significantly reduce stress and help your mood. Seek out a good therapist and a friend who is a good listener.
Learn to have Fun
A smile, a song, silly moments are good things that can relax you and also release good hormones from your brain. Watch a funny comedy show, a favorite movie or sing along to a happy song. These simple moments of joys in life are priceless.
Bedtime Relaxation
People who are stressed usually don’t get good sleep/rest. Therefore, since a good night's sleep is essential to your health and overall wellbeing, here are a few tips. Use calming sounds and relaxing music to begin your winding down process at night. Herbal teas are also recommended, a massage with your favorite scents, foot rub, warm bath, warm milk are all ideas that may make a difference.
Our “Stress Relief Drip” that consists of B-Complex, Magnesium, Taurine, Zinc, Vitamin C and Pyridoxine covers a wide range of health benefits for all the major functions of your body from immunity, cell repair, smooth muscle relaxation to your nervous system so get a boost every now and then as a part of your health maintenance.
Life may be stressful at times but remember, the world is made up of all kind of people and you are one of them so just be yourself because the space that you occupy is yours to be happy and healthy in.