Covid-19, isolation, end of quarantine, anxiety, fear of the virus… It’s not easy to resume our routine in this fragile health context. Rest assured stress is not a fatality, far from it. There are good habits, simple to adapt, that will help you stay relaxed and zen…
Stress and how it affects our body
Stress is a state of psychic disruption caused by one or more events. These events can be physical, psychological or emotional, but for the most part they are from anxiety provoking situations, tiring and sometimes even risky or even dangerous.
In this strained context, our body starts to produce adrenaline and cortisol in large quantities. In result our heartbeat increases, muscles contract and our breathing accelerates. These changes are a form of protection of our bodies that improves our reaction time and concentration to allow us to adapt to these uncomfortable situations.
Many factors of everyday life cause stress
- problems at work
- negative atmosphere at home
- complicated relationships
- financial issues
- health problems
Each of us reacts differently to all the difficulties we encounter, but few escape stress. According to a study by Dr. Benson from Harvard University, stress and its symptoms are the cause of 80% of the medical consultations in industrialised countries!
In small quantity, stress is rather beneficial. It’s a kind of boost that can, for example, motivate you to accomplish a given task as best as you can and as quickly as possible. However, stress becomes the enemy when it’s too present and permanently…In this case it can affect your mind and body in a negative way.
The symptoms associated with this “bad stress” often include physical, emotional and behavioral disorders. If stress is different in each one of us, certain ailments are experienced by many people:
- Digestive problems
- Sleep disorders
- Fatigue
- Muscular tension
- Agitation, irritation and anxiety
- Difficulty concentrating
- Negative perception of our surroundings
- Excessive consumption of certain products( sugar, caffeine, tabacco…)
These symptoms may first go unnoticed. However, if they persist, they can become very problematic. Your body becomes physically and psychologically exhausted. The risks are of getting entangled in a vicious circle of stress and sometimes depression, like a burn-out.
Our 5 easy tips to manage your stress
Luckily there are simple and natural solutions to help calm and manage your stress.
Meditation
Meditation can help fight anxiety through the alleviation it provides. Just a few minutes per day to diminish your stress. You can choose from breathing exercises or guided meditation (mobile apps have been created for this purpose). Choose a moment during the day that is best for you and respect your daily meditation session, you will quickly notice the benefits.
Homeopathic Remedies
Certain homeopathic remedies act against stress. D-Stress Tablets are formulated to promote your inner calm. Stress H72 is also a great option. These remedies will help relieve anxiety and psychological symptoms that are related. They are easy and practical to use on a daily basis, and without any side effects.
Essential Oils
Let’s not forget the Essential Oils! True Lavender Essential Oil is an excellent natural remedy against anxiety. To enjoy its benefits, diffuse it in the living room or in the bedroom at the end of day with an aromatic diffuser. It will help relieve stress and help you sleep better. Don’t hesitate to use it during your meditation sessions!
Bach Flowers
Among the natural Bach Flower Elixirs, Quietude Elixir is recommended if you suffer from symptoms mentioned earlier in this article. It will help relieve your mind and body naturally.
Sport
Finally, last tip, but essential to combat stress: play sports! Physical activity stimulates the production of endorphin which helps your mental and physical well being. Be it indoor or outdoor, alone or in a group, difficult or easy, you will help your body relieve anxiety.
With these simple and natural tips, say goodbye to stress and finally find a feeling of wellbeing in your everyday life.
(1) Étude publiée dans l’ouvrage Relaxation Revolution du Dr Benson (2010)