Do you sometimes feel exhausted for no apparent reason? Are there times when you’re easily irritated? Do you find yourself constantly thinking about 5pm Friday and escaping your office? If so, you may be a victim of modern day stress.
How the Body Responds
The body’s natural response to stress is to release hormones into the bloodstream such as epinephrine (also known as adrenaline) which cause physiological changes in the body. Your heart will beat faster, your small airways open wide, and that extra oxygen received is then sent to the brain increasing alertness. Sight, hearing, and other senses become sharper as a result. The hormones also release stored sugars and fats into the bloodstream increasing your body’s energy levels.
If you were a caveman, this stress response would be very positive for you in the face of extreme danger. That increase in alertness and energy levels could mean the difference between life and death and it supports the body’s “fight or flight” response. But in today’s world with increasing demands of our time and money, ongoing worry and stress may cause long-term negative effects on our bodies.
Effects of Stress
Ongoing stress, even at low levels, causes the body to constantly release stress-induced hormones. This staying on perpetual high alert can take a toll on our health. Persistent epinephrine surges can damage blood vessels and arteries, increasing blood pressure and raising the risk of heart attack or stroke. Elevated cortisol levels (another stress-induced hormone response) cause the body to continuously store extra fat and sugar for future stress reactions causing an increase in appetite and the storage of unused nutrients as fat – often as belly fat. Constant stress can also cause sleep disorders, headaches, social withdrawal, and even teeth-grinding! All of these health concerns can ultimately shorten life span.
Countering Stress
The good news is that there are ways to help counter stress. Here are some tips to help you battle the stress of everyday life:
- Caffeine is not your friend! When you’re stressed, that extra cup of coffee will work against your goal pursuit of a calm state of mind. Instead, try a nice cup of chamomile tea.
- Eat whole foods and avoid processed foods such as from fast food restaurants. The increased nutrient intake will help fuel your body with the depletion caused by your stress response.
- Unplug. You hear this a lot, but seriously, turn off the phone, shut down the computer, and try settling in with a good (positive-themed) book. All of the screens in our daily lives can overstimulate us causing our brains to be in constant “on” mode.
- Try some relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, tai chi, or visualization exercises to help push stressors from the mind and begin to settle into a state of calm.
- A little exercise can go a long way! A nice bike ride or a brisk walk can deepen your breathing while relieving muscle tension from the body.
- A healthy social support system can do wonders. Sometimes just talking with a good friend about your worries will make them seem less daunting.
- Do something nice for yourself. Whether it’s getting a pedicure or calling a house cleaner, spoiling yourself once in a while can greatly improve your mood and can give you a better perspective.
Bamboo Pharmacy’s Stress Support may also help! Our centuries-old formula is based on a Chinese formula called Xiao Yao Wan. A blend of 8 herbs, Stress Support promotes the natural relaxation of your body and mind. It won’t make you drowsy, but it will help you find the mellow you're craving.