Stress

Stress - we all know what it is - but did you know it can directly impact your health in a negative way? 

Stress is anything that causes emotional, psychological or physical strain. 

Stress is also a normal reaction to these challenges. It’s something we need to be able to do. If we didn’t have a stress response, our species would have never survived! The stress response is meant to be positive - it keeps us alert, awake and all of our senses are heightened. In a historical context, this kept us alive and out of danger. In modern times, this same response might apply to someone who’s getting ready for an important test or job interview. They’ll be more alert and energetic for this challenge. 

However, stress and the stress response become problematic when they go on without relief.  

But, the way a person responds to stress can make a big difference in their well-being. 

The Stress Response

When we feel stress, the autonomic nervous system (the part of the nervous system that controls breathing, heart rate, hormones and other functions) produces the “fight or flight” response. Essentially, it prepares our body and mind to either flee or fight danger. This means the heart beats faster, breathing is more rapid and deeper, blood pressure goes up, hormones like epinephrine (adrenalin) and cortisol are released along with several other physiologic changes. These are all positive responses when we need to be “on our game” so to speak.  

But, when the stress response continues on for a long time due to chronic stress, it begins to wear on the body. Think of it this way -you might rev your car engine to get away very quickly. It’s designed to do that. But if you continue to rev the engine, it will eventually wear out. The same can be said of the body in response to chronic stress.

In fact, there are many symptoms, conditions and even diseases that have their origins in chronic stress. 

Physical Symptoms of Stress:

• Tingling, pins and needles sensations
• Numbness
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain 
• Rapid heart beats
• Impotence (problems having sex)
• Headaches, shaking, dizziness
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Frequent illnesses like colds and flu
• Insomnia (trouble sleeping)
• Aches and pains

Chronic stress can also cause mental-emotional problems like:

• Panic attacks
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Low mood or feeling sad

Stress that’s gone on for too long can make a person feel:

• Anxious
• Fearful
• Irritable
• Angry
• Impatient
• Tense
• Depressed
• Lack of joy
• Constant worry; brain never shuts off
• Shut down 
• Overwhelmed

What’s a stressed-out person to do?

Our day-to-day stressors will probably never go away. Sure, some big stressors or periods of stress will come and go. But it’s the daily stuff that stacks up which most often contributes to that chronic stress load.  

There are many steps one can take in order to minimize the effect  that stress has on them. 

Paying attention to the basics of self care forms the foundations of stress management:

1. Get restful sleep. 
   Have a set bedtime and morning alarm. Follow a routine. If stress is interrupting sleep; consider a natural sleep aid.
   
2. Get regular exercise. 
   Exercise is the best ‘drug’ for stress. It has numerous stress-relieving benefits that are easily attained with minimal time commitment. Just like getting regular sleep, think about making exercise a regular “medicine” you need to take every day.
   
3. Eat a healthy diet. 
   It’s a common reaction that stressed people want to medicate themselves with food - and it’s generally not high quality protein and salads! Checking in and being mindful about your feelings is a good first stop before going for food to soothe tension. 
   
4. Minimize unnecessary stressors. 
   This include the TV news, social media, situations, places and people. Think of it as mental-emotional detox. Don’t engage with the very things that contribute to your stress.
   
5. Stress management techniques. 
   There are so many to choose from our suggestion is to sample different types and find that one that resonates with you, so you can stick with it. Having a stress management plan is as important as having an exercise plan and a healthy diet!
   
6. Some other stress reduction techniques include:
   -Identifying and understanding the causes of personal stress - they may be easier to change once they're understood.
   -Acupuncture, massage and meditation.
   -Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and cognitive behavioral therapy can be great places to start for mental emotional health and balance.
   -Spending time outdoors, in nature - anywhere outside, really.
   
7. Lastly, before you get a dangerous, highly addictive prescription drug, consider using one of several natural medicines - they can help you feel relaxed, thereby turning down the volume on stress and its effects on your body. 

• Tranquility Formula is a non-sedating combination of natural ingredients that restores the balance between stress-inducing and relaxing neurotransmitters, helping to relieve the mental and physical symptoms of anxiety. 
• Theanine is most often used for promoting a relaxed state. It balances out neurotransmitters when stress is high.
  
• GABA enhances alpha wave production in the brain to promote relaxation and moderate occasional stress.
• Glycine acts as a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, promoting a calm mood and decreased anxiety.

Start with just 1 or two of these natural stress remedies and see how they work for you.