Stress is the body’s reaction to feeling threatened or under pressure.
Our body releases a hormone called adrenaline (often called the “fight or flight” hormone), which usually gives us a boost or motivates us to act quickly.
But too much stress can affect our mood, our body and our relationships – especially when it feels out of our control. It can make us feel anxious and irritable, and affect our self-esteem.
Experiencing long-term stress or severe stress can lead to feeling physical, mental and emotional exhaustion, often called “burnout”.
If you notice yourself worrying more frequently and finding it difficult to quiet your anxious thoughts, the underlying cause may be more than just some personal troubles or a frustrating day at the office. elevated stress levels may be to blame.
There are many ways to support your body to manage stress. From identifying and reducing the stressors going in, to supporting your bodys stress response with diet, lifestyle and natural remedies.
The best way to cope with stress is by getting at least seven hours of sleep per day, eating a predominantly plant-based diet, exercising regularly, meditating, and staying socially connected. “If you’re practicing all these healthy habits, it helps you become more resilient and better able to adapt to life’s challenging situations,” says Dr. Shalu Ramchandani, an integrative medicine specialist at the Harvard-affiliated Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital.
A Naturopath can help you build a personalised Stress Management Plan. The aim is to calm down your nervous system to reduce the impact of stress on your body and mind. This plan will be focused on your individual needs and must contain achievable goals. Learning the skills and techniques to manage stress will improve your health and happiness.
