Stress

The Origin of Stress

Stress was a natural occurrence in the ancient past, triggered in the body when there was an imminent threat. The stress response allows the body to fight or flee in emergency situations. Once the danger subsides, stress diminishes, and the body returns to its rest and recovery mode. The term 'stress' is now a part of our vocabulary but was only coined in the 1930s by the Hungarian scientist Hans Selye. Stress can refer to the circumstances, stimuli, or causes of stress, as well as the body's response or symptoms to stress. Acute stress can be very beneficial since it helps you perform optimally in specific situations. It's only when the balance between stress and recovery is disrupted that unhealthy or chronic stress occurs, depleting the body over the long term. Since the experience of stress is highly individual and depends on life experiences, situation, age, and physical and mental well-being, everyone perceives the balance between stress and recovery differently.

What Happens in Your Body During Stress?

When your body experiences stress, the fight-or-flight response is triggered, preparing your body for an emergency. Although we now encounter physical danger less frequently, the stress response can also be triggered by mental pressure, certain substances and additives in food, drugs, anxiety, sleep deprivation, strong emotions, or a barrage of environmental stimuli. The autonomic nervous system is activated, releasing 'stress hormones' like cortisol, adrenaline, and noradrenaline into the bloodstream. This causes an increase in heart rate and blood circulation. Vital organs receive more blood, while less blood flows to the digestive organs. The stress hormones also temporarily reduce pain sensation and enhance muscle tension for increased strength, energy, and alertness. Our bodies are essentially designed for acute, short-term stress situations. Prolonged stress can lead to unhealthy, chronic stress.

Naturally Reduce Stress on Your Own

You can do a lot to maintain the balance between tension and relaxation and prevent unhealthy stress. If you feel you're under a lot of stress, it helps to consider what energizes you in your life and what causes stress. This self-reflection can help you consciously eliminate or reduce certain activities or situations that bring you a lot of stress. Talking to others about your stress can provide relief and a different perspective to help you find solutions to your situation. To reduce stress in general, it's essential to take good care of yourself and create a routine with adequate physical activity and relaxation, accompanied by healthy eating. Engaging in regular meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises can also help reduce stress naturally. By incorporating such practices into your routine, you allow your body to relax more frequently and effectively clear your mind, making you less prone to prolonged stress and better equipped to handle acute stress situations.

Natural Supplements for Stress

During busy times, your body may need an extra boost. There are numerous high-quality stress relief supplements available, containing natural herbs or preparations. Valerian, for example, is known to support mental balance in stressful situations*. Chamomile also helps you maintain balance in stressful situations and has a calming and relaxing effect*. Ashwagandha is a natural relaxant that provides more energy and helps maintain mental balance*. Nutrients like magnesium, B-vitamins, and vitamin C are also good for mood and contribute to mental resilience. Some great supplements in Ergomax's assortment include B-UnStressed™ - Resistance and Energy Formula from MegaFood, L-Theanine - Suntheanine® from Doctor's Best, and Bovine Adrenal with Liver - Grass-Fed from Ancestral Supplements.

*Health claims are pending European approval.