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Stress: causes, types, treatment

In this article:
Types of stress
Stress symptoms - signs that you are experiencing stress
Stress - what causes stress and what stresses us?
Stress treatment
How can we manage stress?
Anti-stress supplements
Stress: causes, types, treatment

When we experience stress, the body produces hormones that trigger the "fight or flight" response. Stress can also have some good parts, because it helps us to mobilize and react in the face of real danger or to accomplish so-called tasks. However, in some situations stress persists over the long term and is called chronic stress, affecting physical and mental health.

Types of stress

There are two main forms of stress: acute stress and chronic stress.

Acute stress occurs within minutes to hours of an event. It lasts for a short period of time and is very intense. It can occur after a difficult or unexpected event - such as sudden bereavement or an accident.

Chronic stress lasts for a long time or keeps recurring. When we are constantly under stress, the fight or flight state remains activated and overexposure to stress hormones such as cortisol occurs.

Stress symptoms - signs that you are experiencing stress

Stress can cause different types of symptoms, namely:

  • Emotional symptoms - anxiety, irritability, mood swings, panic attacks, depression, sadness, excessive worry etc.;
  • behavioral symptoms - tendency to drink alcohol or smoke, excessive food consumption, tendency to social withdrawal, etc..;
  • physical symptoms - headache, chest pain, insomnia, exhaustion, dizziness, trembling, shakiness, heavy sweating, diarrhea, high blood pressure, lack of energy, teeth grinding, palpitations, muscle tension, digestive problems, weakened immune system, etc..;
  • cognitive symptoms - concentration problems, memory problems etc.

Stress - what causes stress and what stresses us?

Many things can lead to stress - the loss of a loved one, a break-up, job loss or financial problems. Causes can also include physical ailments, especially chronic illness, lack of work-life balance, lack of social support, etc. Sometimes internal stress can be caused by anxiety, depression or self-criticism.

Stress treatment

Treatment for stress includes focusing on changing perceptions of the situation, developing coping skills, implementing relaxation techniques and treating symptoms or conditions that may be caused by chronic stress.

Some interventions that may be useful include psychotherapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based techniques, some anti-stress drugs and supplements, as well as complementary and alternative medicine (aromatherapy, massage, yoga, meditation, etc.). Please note that the main stress medications are only to be taken on the advice of a doctor.

How can we manage stress?

It matters a lot how we handle stressful life events and how we react to stress - stress management. Whether the stress is internal or external, relaxation techniques can help manage stress. There are many different techniques and it is important to find the ones that work for each of us. Examples include deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, meditation, yoga and exercise. Sometimes, however, different types of treatment for severe stress are needed, as indicated by a doctor.

Here are some recommendations:

  • Adopt an active lifestyle;
  • spend time in nature;
  • learn effective time management and establish a work-life balance;
  • maintain a healthy diet;
  • establish an optimal and healthy sleep schedule;
  • reduce time spent in front of screens or on social networks;
  • pay attention to social relationships, spend time with loved ones and talk about what is stressing you;
  • set healthy boundaries in relationships and learn to say no;
  • practice self-care - nature walks, relaxing baths, massage, practicing a hobby, aromatherapy, etc.

Exposure to certain scents through candles or essential oils - aromatherapy - can have an extremely calming effect. Some relaxing scents include lavender, rose, bergamot, chamomile, chamomile, neroli, frankincense, sandalwood, ylang-ylang, orange blossom, etc. So you can choose Solaris lavender essential oil, Sabio ylang-ylang oil or even a blend of SoiL anti-stress essential oils.

Anti-stress supplements

Several vitamins and minerals play an important role in the body's stress response and mood regulation. Certain nutrient deficiencies can affect mental health and the ability to cope with stress. So certain dietary supplements and vitamins for fatigue and stress can help improve mood.

Magnesium to reduce stress

Some types of supplements can be useful as a treatment for nerves and stress. One example is magnesium. This mineral plays an important role in the body's stress response. Magnesium is involved in the health of the nervous system, and magnesium deficiencies influence the adrenal-pituitary-hypothalamic-pituitary axis, which is known to be involved in the development of anxiety disorders. Magnesium supplements can relieve stress in this way, and are usually useful in combination with vitamin B6 - Magne B6, Equilibra supplements or Magnesium 400 Depot Magnesium 400 for stress and fatigue.

Natural anti-stress extracts

Other natural supplements, like those based on Rhodiola, Ashwagandha, L-theanine, Melissa or Valerian can also help reduce stress:

  • Rhodiola is a well-known anti-stress remedy, helping to prevent chronic stress and its complications. The adaptogenic properties of this herb are linked to two of the plant's potent active ingredients: rosavin and salidroside. It is usually available in capsule, liquid extract or powder form.
  • Ashwagandha, an Ayurvedic adaptogenic herb, has long been used to reduce anxiety. It can be taken in pill or capsule form, as well as powdered extract.
  • Lemon balm orlemon balm can help relieve anxiety, stress and states of restlessness and tension. It supports relaxation and improves the body's overall level of balance.
  • Valerian is another herb known for its calming effects and is commonly used as a dietary supplement for stress, insomnia, anxiety and other conditions, including depression.
  • GABA, or gamma-aminobutyric acid, is a neurotransmitter that can induce relaxation and promote sleep. In other words, it is a chemical that has a calming effect on the brain and body.

When it comes to anti-stress pills, whether they contain minerals, vitamins or natural extracts, choose the right product for you according to your needs and your doctor's instructions. You can choose from a variety of products, from Nervocalmin Relaxation with valerian and passionflower and Soriso with Rhodiola and basil extract to Stresclin Complex with Withania somnifera extract for stress reduction.

Also, many herbal teas can have beneficial effects on stress states, relieve anxiety and improve sleep - anti-stress and relaxation teas - chamomile tea, lime tea, lavender tea, as well as some specific blends such as Relaxing Tea and Distonoplant tea from Fares or Anti-stress tea from Alevia.

There are thus numerous anti-stress supplements, which can help. Remember, however, that supplements of any kind and medicines should only be taken on the advice of a doctor. Also, unless you are addressing a nutrient deficiency, supplements usually do not address the underlying cause of stress. It's essential to distinguish between treating the symptoms of stress and managing the cause

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