We’ve all experienced stress at some point in our lives. But when stress becomes constant, it can take a toll on the body. This is mainly due to the vast impact that the stress response has on the body’s many systems. From keeping us awake at night to diminishing focus and nutrient absorption, chronic stress can affect us in many ways.

What is stress?

Stress can vary for each individual. Generally, it’s a state of worry or mental tension caused as a response to a difficult situation. It’s a natural response that our body prompts to help us deal with a perceived threat.

Your body on stress

Think back to a time when you felt stressed – what did you feel? You may have felt your heart rate increasing and had a hard time trying to focus on what’s in front of you. You may have even felt a little bit dizzy. All of this happens because when we feel stressed, it sets off a chain reaction in the body, commonly known as the fight or flight response.

At the first indication of stress, our bodies receive a signal to respond to the threat. This increases the release of hormones called adrenaline and cortisol. Ultimately, this increases your heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure. These are ways your body is helping you prepare to face the stressful situation and fight or flee the scene. You may also start sweating, feel dizzy, and experience headaches and stomach pains. The stress response is your body’s way of protecting you by focusing its resources on the threat at hand rather than using them for important functions like digestion or immunity.

What are some ways to help reduce stress?

Since stress has such a significant impact on many different aspects of your health, it’s important to understand how to manage and reduce stress. While everyone manages stress differently, some common daily habits that can help you better manage stress include regular exercise and a healthy diet that prioritizes stress-reducing nutrients.

Get that body moving

Engaging in at least 30 minutes of daily movement can release feel-good hormones like endorphins and serotonin. These hormones help improve your mood, thereby reducing levels of stress-contributing hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Having a regular exercise routine also helps take your mind off stressful and negative thoughts, promoting relaxation of the mind.

When it comes to managing stress, the type of exercise isn’t as important. Whether you prefer going for a daily run, lifting weights, participating in a yoga class, or going for a hike, they’re all forms of movement that can help you manage stress levels.

Stress-relieving nutrients

Certain nutrients are known to help the body calm down and boost energy levels. This includes B vitamins, L-theanine, and ashwagandha. Prioritizing these nutrients can help you manage stress. B vitamins are a group of 8 vitamins that work together to help convert your food into fuel. This, in turn, helps increase your body’s energy levels. L-theanine is an amino acid naturally found in green tea leaves that helps promote a relaxed state of mind without inducing drowsiness or sedating effects. It has long been used to reduce stress and anxiety levels. Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that also helps relieve stress and anxiety. It is also known to improve sleep, memory, and athletic performance.

If you’re looking to increase your intake of these nutrients, try CanPrev’s Synergy B. This formula contains the entire family of B vitamins with an added 200mg of L-theanine to support the body and relax the mind. Adrenal-Pro is another excellent option for times when chronic stress leaves you feeling fatigued. This blend contains adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha, Siberian Ginseng, rhodiola, and astragalus, and is designed to support physical and mental performance while reducing stress and fatigue.

Stress may not be entirely avoidable, but it is possible to learn how to support your body during times of stress and develop healthy habits to manage stress.

About the Author: CanPrev

CanPrev formulations are designed by licensed Canadian health practitioners and is an exclusive brand to the health food industry. The brand is well-known for its best-selling magnesium products. CanPrev acquired Innovite Health in 2019.