How to Thrive through our Modern-Day Stress

A medically reviewed study by Web MD suggests that up to 90% of doctors visits are stress related, how crazy is that? 

 

To overcome stress, we need to understand how our bodies work. 

 

Stress is not bad for us in short bursts, it is there to keep us out of danger like being attacked by a wild animal or any other life-threatening situation. 

 

The problem is that your nervous system isn’t very good at distinguishing between emotional and physical threats.

 

In our modern world, it is not a wild animal that is attacking us, it's our lives

 

When you face stress, your heart beats faster, your muscles tighten, your blood pressure rises, your breath quickens and your senses become sharper.

 

Our blood vessels also constrict, If we were attacked, this could save us from bleeding out quickly, but if we are always stressed, it can lead to high blood pressure and heart problems.

 

Our bodies also hold onto energy (food), and our metabolism slows down, this would be useful if we were in a dangerous situation and we didn't know when we would next be able to eat, but for most of us, this is not a problem.

 

Our bodies also turn their attention away from things that are seen as not as important in that moment, like sex drive, digestion, etc. Again, this is good if you are in genuine danger, but if it is endured over a long period of time, it will upset your digestive and reproductive systems.

 

We are designed to experience stress in short bursts, but when we endure it for long periods of time, it can become a problem.

 

Our bodies struggle to distinguish between being attacked by a wild animal and experiencing an overwhelming workload.

Stress-related problems include:

  • Weight gain
  • Digestion issues
  • Low sex drive
  • Heart disease
  • Diabetes
  • Sleep disorders
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Hormonal Imbalances
  • Many other ailments and chronic diseases 

Ways to Reduce Stress

1. At least 15 minutes of Boredom Every Day.

We are not "bored" often enough. We are faced with constant stimulation from our devices and our jobs, which elevates our cortisol and stress.  

 

Get into the habit of regularly stepping away from stimulation. Your brain needs downtime and you usually get your best ideas during this time. 

 

Go for a walk and spend more time in nature. See meditation kind of like a "conscious boredom".

2. HIIT Exercise 

Any sort of exercise can improve your stress levels and release endorphins which are your feel-good hormones, however intensity matters

 

HIIT (high intensity interval training) or intense aerobic exercise like running (which causes you to sweat) releases most endorphins

Remember that being sleep-deprived and feeding your body junk is also a stressor! 

 

Click HERE to learn how to improve your sleep 

Click HERE to improve your nutrition

 

 

4. Herbs

Ashwagandha, Sceletium and Green Kratom are some of nature's best stress relievers.

 

Find these herbs in our Anti-Anxiety capsules or try our Ashwagandha Capsules.

Ashwagandha 60/120 Capsules

R 99.95

Anti-Anxiety 60 Capsules

R 189.95
Title

Want Free Stuff?

Enter your email to receive our free holistic wellness course.

Disclaimer:

Reader assumes the responsibility to consult health care practitioners or do their own research regarding any products which claim to support and maintain health and general wellbeing and which concur with their beliefs and understanding. Regards, The Herbalist International (Pty) Ltd