What Happens to your Body When Stress Strikes?

Interestingly, your body is naturally programmed to respond to stress. Stress responses occur when you are faced with different external stimuli. In other words, stress creates biological responses in your body, that either result in positive healthy effects, or conversely, damaging negative effects. Essentially, responses are survival mechanisms.

For example:

• When stressed, your muscles become tense. As a result, this causes your body to release stress hormones. In this example, your body triggers a ’fight or flight’ response.
• Or perhaps, your heart begins to beat faster and your blood pressure rises. As a result you may breath more heavily etc.

In certain situations, the stressor may not last long and the reaction is instant. Your reaction may save you from a bad outcome e.g. dodging a falling object. However, if stress continues, your body has to constantly respond. In reality, constant stress becomes a problem. In this situation, a constant state of ‘alertness’ can be detrimental to your health.

How to Reduce Stress

In short, there are several ways to deal with stress. Then again, we are all genetically very diverse. That is to say, some methodologies may work better than others, depending on your heredity.

Relaxation – Without doubt, this is one of the most effective solutions for helping control stress. Meditation and controlled rhythmic breathing can quickly reduce psychological angst. Both practices help promote a feeling of relaxation. Generally, if you practice breathing or meditation for just 5 minutes a day, you may be able to control wild and unruly thoughts. Focusing on the moment can help you bring your focus back to the present.

Exercise – On the whole exercise can help reduce stress. Some studies have indicated that moderate exercise may help cancel out the effects of stress. Unlike top athletes, you only need to take 30 minutes of your day to dance away to your favorite tunes or take a brisk walk outside, while enjoying nature. Yoga and Tai Chi also work well – they too can be considered ‘relaxation’.

Healthy Diet – Unquestionably, a balanced diet is important, as it can help to reduce cravings. By and large, during stress, the body releases ‘cortisol’. As a matter of fact, this hormone can lead to sugar cravings, as well as a desire for fatty comfort foods. (Visit our recipes for both healthy and tasty solutions). In addition to healthy eating, avoid alcohol (I know, it’s not easy to put the wine away,).

Natural Remedies – Mother Nature provides some helpful therapeutic remedies. However, their effectiveness depends on your genetic make-up, results can vary:

• CBD/CBG flower – these cannabinoids can help take away stress (check out our natural flower solutions). While more research is needed, many of our customers have been pleasantly surprised at how effective our flower-products are in helping reduce their stress.
• Lavender –aromatherapy scent
• Chamomile – tea
• Valerian Root – tea, extract
• Passionflower – tea, extract

Good Sleep Patterns – To begin with, put away all electronic devises approx. half an hour before you to bed. As a matter of fact, the blue light from cell phones/tablets can interfere with the production of ‘melatonin’. This is the hormone that helps regulate sleep. (Definitely don’t sleep with your phone by your bed). At any rate, the most important thing, is to establish a bedtime routine. Avoid caffeine and alcohol too, as they can cause havoc with your sleep pattern.

Social Support – Evidently talking with others can help alleviate your stress. Since, verbalizing your issues can help make you feel better. Psychologists/therapists are a great resource when nothing else seems to work.

Fun hobbies – In addition fun hobbies can help take your mind off the negative things. Focus on things that make you happy e.g. painting, gardening, singing, woodworking, dancing, crafting, hiking, board-games etc.

Mental attitude – In general ‘re-framing’ your perspective is important to your well-being. Take a moment to assess what’s causing negative thoughts. Find ways to accept that many situations are not in your control. Have realistic expectations. Avoid worse-case scenarios in your head. Surround yourself with positivity e.g. avoid consuming too much news, reduce contact with negative-Nellies, focus on your achievements etc.