Everyone experiences stress from time to time. Causes of stress usually lie in the pressure and the combination of work, family, study and other daily responsibilities. Whether you’ve been experiencing stress for a long time or specifically recently – it can have unexpected effects on your life.
After effort comes relaxation
Stress is not necessarily bad. Experts believe that if it comes in a small amount, it can actually give you a boost. It could give you a sense of urgency that pushes you to get things done. Stress is a natural response, which activates a so – called fight-or-flight response. Such a reaction could occur when you experience a lot of pressure or when something happens that requires immediate attention. This reaction then works well as a motivator to take action. However, many stressful moments over a longer period of time can actually backfire. In fact, it can be very harmful to your mental and physical health.
The solution
Don’t let stress take over. If the feeling of feeling sharp and productive is overshadowed by an overwhelming and anxious feeling, take a step back. Make sure to take breaks when you feel you need them and schedule enough time for yourself to relax.
Choose the right food
Where a little ‘healthy tension’ might motivate you to take action, prolonged stress has the opposite effect. Long-term stress could have negative effects on your ability to concentrate and make decisions. It can even make you forgetful. The more stress you experience, the harder your mental performance could have it. And we definitely don’t want that!
The solution
Your diet could play a major role in controlling your stress level . Try to make healthier choices. It has been proven, for example, that magnesium works well against stress. That will be a juice with chard and spinach every morning, so! You could also take vitamin B12 supplements, because they could have a positive effect on your mood. This vitamin helps you with the production of dopamine and serotonin , which makes you feel happy. Fermented foods like kimchi, tempeh and sauerkraut also contain healthy probiotic bacteria, vitamins and antioxidants, which researchers say support good mood and are good for our gastrointestinal system.
Keep moving
Many people experience symptoms of stress as anxious feelings, restlessness and palpitations. You could also become more irritated. Stress could also manifest itself in headaches, tense muscles and even digestive problems. All symptoms that you would rather get rid of than be rich.
The solution
Reduce the tension in your muscles by moving more. Studies have shown that exercise moderates the production of stress hormones, while your body releases endorphins that help improve your mood. For example, start your day with some yoga exercises in combination with mindfulness and breathing exercises. Yoga has been shown to be a strong fighter against stress, as it is said to improve your mood and reduce anxiety. Namaste!
Get enough sleep
Short-term and long-term stress can make it more difficult to fall asleep at night. This can lead to daytime fatigue. This could result in reduced productivity at work or other mundane tasks. Time for an evening ritual that works for you.
The solution
Start your night routine with nourishing and moisturizing skin care products . Stress can sometimes really be read on someone’s face. In combination with lack of sleep, this can cause acne, wrinkles and fine lines. In addition, avoid looking at digital screens for at least an hour before going to bed. Turn off Netflix and put your phone aside. Instead, read a book to prepare your body for sleep. Nowadays you can even buy weighted eye masks and duvets, which could make it easier to fall asleep. You could also spray a few drops of lavender oil on your pillow or in your bedroom to help you relax.
However you go about reducing stress, it all starts with taking good care of yourself. Schedule some time for yourself each day. It may take you a while to figure out what works best for you, but it’s worth it when it comes to your overall well-being.