InVite® Health Blog

Stress Management

Noreen Kodula, Certified Natural Health Professional (CNHP)

Stress is the body’s natural response to changes or challenges (stressors) it experiences. It can result in many different physical, emotional and behavioral responses. We all experience stress at some point but the way we respond to it makes a big difference in our overall physical and mental wellbeing. Chronic stress negatively impacts your health and can lead to mental health problems.

Stress can be positive – keeping you alert, motivated and ready to avoid danger – or negative – when stressors continue without any breaks. The best way to manage stress usually involves changing the situation. You can also change the way you respond to the situation.

There are three main types of stress:

• Acute stress – Is usually brief and comes and goes quickly. It can be positive or negative.
• Episodic acute stress – Is usually brief but frequent. One does not get a chance to return to a calm and relaxed state. It is common with certain professions, like healthcare.
• Chronic stress – Is usually long term and lasts weeks or even months. It can be due to things like financial troubles, marriage problems or work troubles.

Your body has a built-in stress response (fight-or flight response) that helps your body face stressful situations. When you have chronic stress, your body continually activates its fight-or-flight response. This can cause damage to the body, and you may develop physical, psychological and behavioral symptoms. Some things to look out for if you think you are stressed are:

• Cognitive – difficulty concentrating, worry, anxiety and trouble remembering things.
• Emotional – being angry, anxious, irritated, moody or fearful.
• Physical – high blood pressure, headaches, muscle tension and neck pain, sweaty hands, grinding teeth, sexual dysfunction and digestive problems.
• Behavioral – Poor self-care, not having time for things you enjoy, turning to drugs and alcohol to cope.

Chronic stress can affect your immune system, digestive system, cardiovascular system and your reproductive system. It also puts you at a higher risk of developing anxiety or depression.

Stress cannot be avoided but it can be stopped from becoming overwhelming by doing the following:

• Physical activities like exercise, yoga, tai chi, breathing and walking can boost your mood.
• Eating right and getting enough sleep can help your body handle stress better.
• Stay positive, practice gratitude and take a moment to reflect on your day see what you have accomplished, not what you didn’t get done.
• Incorporate supplements like L-Theanine, Magnesium Glycinate and CNS 2 to help with stress relief, relaxation, mood enhancement and overall, wellbeing.
• Set goals for your day, week and month.
• Consider talking to a therapist.

Taking supplements is a helpful way of supporting the body’s ability to handle stress, especially when incorporated with a regimen that includes good sleep hygiene, balanced diet, and healthy daily habits. Some of these supplements include:

• L-Theanine
• Magnesium Glycinate
• Rhodiola
• Ashwagandha
• B-Complex
• Vitamin D
• Melatonin
• Lemon balm
• Valerian – see Invite’s CNS protocol II

It is normal to be stressed sometimes, but you should not let uncontrolled stress go unchecked. Long term stress can cause physical, emotional and behavioral symptoms. It is important to control your chronic stress before it leads to other health issues.

References:

1. Stress: What It Is, Symptoms, Management & Prevention
2. What Is Stress? Symptoms, Causes, Impact, Treatment, Coping
3. The effect of stress on the defense systems – PubMed
4. Sexual Dysfunction: Disorders, Causes, Types & Treatment
5. Ashwagandha: Uses and Side Effects
6. Supplements for Stress: Can These 7 Help?

Noreen Kodula, Certified Natural Health Professional (CNHP)