Stress is a common ailment in our modern society. Between work demands, family responsibilities, and social pressures, it’s very easy to feel overwhelmed. While in small doses, stress can be positive, chronic stress is rather harmful. Beyond a simple daily inconvenience, it can have long-term consequences on the body. However, natural and appropriate solutions exist to manage stress and achieve a balanced life. In this article, we will explore stress, its causes, effects, as well as practical solutions to overcome it.

Stress is the body’s natural response to situations perceived as threats or challenges. This triggers the release of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, preparing the body to respond. While in many cases, stress can be a driving force, chronic stress can have adverse effects on physical and mental health.

There are various causes of stress, and everyone responds differently. Some people tend to feel overwhelmed more quickly when faced with a stressful situation, while others can put things into perspective and take a step back more easily. Here are different sources of stress you might encounter:

• Stress at work: Tight deadlines, a big workload, and even office conflicts can contribute to professional stress. We spend most of our day at work, and experiencing stress at work can quickly become a daily burden.
• Personal stress: Financial worries, relationship problems, and family responsibilities can also be major stress factors. Especially since it is almost impossible to put personal worries aside, even during the workday.
• Environmental stress: The pressures of modern society, such as the pressure for personal success or social media, which does not always reflect realistic images of life, can also be a source of stress. Taking a step back and moving away from social media is a very good way to reduce its effects.

When stress appears, it is inherently uncontrollable or challenging to control. It can have negative impacts such as:

• Freezing up during public speaking
• A black hole in terms of what you should do or say at a given moment
• Mild to moderate headaches
• Loss of appetite characterised by a “lump in the stomach”

Furthermore, for people who are exposed to chronic stress, long-term health problems can appear:

• Cardiovascular problems: Chronic stress can increase blood pressure and the risk of heart disease.
• Psychological problems: Stress can trigger or worsen mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression.
• Physical problems: Stress can cause headaches, sleep problems, gastrointestinal problems, and even muscle pain.

Although stress can quickly become disabling, there are many ways to limit or control the effects of stress on your body. Here are some tips from doctors and specialists:

• Practice relaxation techniques: Meditation, deep breathing, and yoga are excellent methods to calm the mind and reduce stress. They allow you to refocus on the present moment and gain perspective on situations that may seem insurmountable at the moment.
• Do physical activity: Regular exercise releases endorphins, improving your mood while reducing stress. Furthermore, practising physical activity lets you clear your mind and think about something else.
• Choose a healthy diet: In times of stress, seeking refuge in comfort foods is tempting, often very fatty and sugary. However, a diet that is too rich promotes peaks in the stress hormone cortisol during the day. Conversely, adopting a balanced diet rich in essential micronutrients can help strengthen resistance to stress.
• Manage your time: Much of the stress encountered on a daily basis can come from a feeling of subversion in the face of all the tasks to be accomplished. To combat this, you must prioritise, set realistic goals, and use time management tools to avoid this feeling of being overwhelmed.
• Adopt natural products to combat stress: Certain plants or essential oils are known for their soothing effects on mental well-being. Using them under supervision helps promote a more peaceful daily life.

Adaptogenic plants have been used for centuries in traditional medicine to help the body adapt to certain situations and strengthen its resistance to stressors. One of the most commonly used is Rhodiola, Rhodiola rosea.

Rhodiola rosea, also known as the “golden root”, is often used to increase resistance to physical and emotional stress. It can help reduce fatigue, improve concentration, and promote a better mood.

Furthermore, Lavender extracts, from one of the most-used plants for this type of concern, and Lemon Balm promote relaxation and mental and physical well-being.

Finally, Hawthorn is a plant often used to calm the nerves and reduce nervousness. It is particularly renowned for its beneficial effects on the nervous system, and many people use it in herbal medicine to help relieve symptoms of nervousness and anxiety.

Find the combination of Rhodiola, Lavender and Lemon Balm extracts, Hawthorn, Orange Blossom Hydrosol, and Lavender and Petitgrain bigarade essential oils in the new Olioseptil Serenity Spray. A plant concentrate to help you reduce stress in just 4 sprays per day.

What else? The formula is enriched with Vitamins B6 and B12, which contribute to the normal functioning of the nervous system and decrease fatigue.

Helena,
Wellness Expert