Feeling overwhelmed and having difficulty dealing with stress? You’re definitely not alone.
Stress is a widespread health concern that impacts millions of individuals globally. In 2018, a stress survey conducted in the UK revealed that nearly 74% of adults have experienced feelings of being overwhelmed or unable to cope with stress.[1]
So, what is stress precisely, and how does it affect our physical well-being?
What is stress?
Stress is our body’s natural self-defence mechanism, commonly referred to as the “fight-or-flight” response. This system is designed to activate when we encounter an immediate physical threat and inactivate when the danger has passed.[2]
Here’s how it works:
- When our bodies sense danger, the brain’s hypothalamus gland triggers a stress response.
- This response sends signals to the adrenals, two glandular organs situated on top of the kidneys.
- The adrenals release stress hormones, including cortisol, adrenaline, and noradrenaline.
- These hormones increase blood pressure and provide a surge of glucose to energize the body for either fighting the threat or fleeing from it.
However, if stress persists over an extended period, the body remains in a constant fight-or-flight state, which can lead to various health complications.
Examples of stress triggers
According to the Mind website, several factors can trigger stress [3]. These include:
- 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

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, such as digestion and sleep. This can increase the risk of 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.
Stress is a common experience in today’s fast-paced world. It can have a significant impact on our physical and mental health. When it comes to managing stress, naturopathy offers a holistic approach that focuses on identifying the root cause of stress and promoting overall well-being.
Mindfulness Techniques: Finding Relaxation in the Present Moment
Mindfulness techniques like deep breathing and stretching exercises can help shift your focus to relaxation.
Deep breathing exercises, meditation, and yoga can help calm the mind and relax the body. These techniques encourage us to be present in the moment, reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of calm.
Naturopathy to Manage Stress: A Holistic Approach to Finding Relief
In addition to mindfulness, maintaining a healthy diet plays a crucial role in managing stress. Nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, provide the necessary nutrients for our bodies to function optimally. Avoiding processed foods, refined sugars, and excessive caffeine can also help stabilize energy levels and promote a balanced mood.
Naturopathy also utilizes Herbal Remedies to address the effects of stress. Certain herbs, such as chamomile, lavender, and valerian root, have calming properties that can ease anxiety and promote better sleep. Adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha and rhodiola rosea support the body’s ability to adapt to stress and regulate cortisol levels.
Bach Flower Remedies and aromatherapy are other natural approaches used in naturopathy to manage stress. Bach Flower Remedies involve the use of flower essences to address emotional imbalances and promote relaxation.
Aromatherapy utilizes the therapeutic properties of essential oils, which can be inhaled or applied topically, to create a sense of calm and relaxation.
Remember, managing stress is a journey, and finding the right combination of techniques and remedies may involve some trial and error. With the help of naturopathic approaches, you can take steps towards effectively managing stress and achieving a healthier, more balanced life.
Don’t let stress weigh you down – take steps 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 to protect and strengthen your body against its harmful effects.
Browse Our Stress-Relieving Meal Plans to Support Your Well-Being
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