Are you feeling overwhelmed and struggling to cope with stress? You’re not alone. Stress is a common health issue that affects millions of people worldwide. In fact, a UK-wide stress survey conducted in 2018 found that almost three-quarters of adults(74%) have felt overwhelmed or unable to cope at some point over the past year. But what exactly is stress, and how does it affect our bodies? [1]
What is stress?
fight or flight
We have an internal self-defence system, commonly known as the fight-or-flight response. The system works like this: our body response is supposed to kick in when we encounter an immediate physical threat and turn off when the danger passes. [2]
When your body feels danger, it triggers a stress response in the brain’s hypothalamus gland. That, in turn, sends signals to the adrenals (two kidney-shaped glands that sit on top of the kidneys) to release stress hormones such as cortisol, adrenaline and noradrenaline.
These cause a rise in blood pressure and give your body a hit of glucose so you can outrun or fight the immediate danger. However, if the stress occurs during an extended period, the body is in constant fight-or-flight mode, leading to health problems.
Examples of stress triggers
- being under a lot of pressure regularly (work, things to do, recurrent thoughts)
- big changes
- worryings
- not having much or any control over the outcome of a situation
- having responsibilities that you’re finding overwhelming
- not having enough work, projects or changes in your life
- times of uncertainty [3]
How the body reacts to prolonged stress?
Prolonged stress sets your body in a continuous state of readiness for action. When the body has no time to regain balance, we become exhausted, and the immune system weakens and is more susceptible to sickness.
Many fundamental bodily processes are disrupted, and the risk of health problems increases, such as digestion and sleep, leading to further health problems like digestive issues, insomnia, and even depression. Prolonged stress can have a significant impact on our overall health, and it’s essential to take steps to manage stress effectively to avoid these negative consequences. Incorporating stress-management techniques like meditation, exercise, and other relaxation techniques, along with a healthy diet and natural remedies, can help mitigate the effects of stress on the body and promote overall health and well-being.
Stress & Naturopathy
Are you feeling stressed and overwhelmed? It’s important to identify the cause of your stress first. Once you have identified the root cause, you can work towards finding solutions to manage it. Mindfulness techniques like deep breathing and stretching exercises can help shift your focus to relaxation. Additionally, a healthy diet can bolster your ability to handle daily challenges. Naturopathy offers a number of solutions to manage stress, including herbal medicine, which can counter the effects of stress while also supporting the immune system and lowering blood pressure. Bach Flower Remedies and aromatherapy are also great options to consider in your quest to manage stress better. Don’t let stress weigh you down – take steps today to find relief and enjoy a happier, more balanced life.
At Paz By Nature Clinic, we understand the impact of stress on overall health and well-being. We offer specific advice on stress-related health problems like anxiety, sleep issues, and headaches, as well as an online resource to help manage stress with our Stress & Anxiety Support Meal Plan. Don’t let stress take a toll on your health – take action today to protect and strengthen your body against its harmful effects.
References:
[1] “Stressed nation: 74% of UK ‘overwhelmed or unable to cope ….” 14 May. 2018
[2] “What Is Stress-Related Illness? – Healthline.”
[3] “Causes of stress | Mind, the mental health charity – help for ….”
[4] Worthen M, Cash E. Stress Management. [Updated 2020 May 23]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan
