Stress is a universal human experience, and it’s no surprise that stress levels are on the rise

We live in a fast-paced digital world with many challenges. Studies reveal that the workplace is the biggest cause of stress, with women and workers under 30 more prone to experiencing burnout at work. 

We are post-pandemic, dealing with an unstable economy and a cost of living crisis, it’s no wonder our blood pressure is going through the roof! 

Whatever the source of stress, whether it be work, finances, responsibilities, relationships, or physical or mental health, it can be an uphill struggle. Stress can be debilitating physically and mentally and has a large impact on society. In the US, over 1 million workers are absent every day due to stress.

Stress is an emergency reaction

Your body responds to a demand or threat and creates stress. The nervous system releases a flood of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. It can trigger emotions like anger or fear and make someone retreat or freeze. When stressed out, the body gets put into an emergency reaction. Your blood pressure rises, muscles tighten, your breath quickens, and your heart pounds. Your senses become sharper, and your body enters fight or flight mode. 

No one is immune to stress

We are all different, but regardless of age, sex or other demographics, no one is immune to stress. It just happens, and sometimes you can’t avoid it. Once the feeling of stress hits you, unless it’s eustress (good stress), a series of negative things happen to the mind and body. It can cause emotional instability, physical challenges, digestive issues, behaviour changes and sleeping problems. It can worsen different ailments, diseases and conditions such as headaches, obesity, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, asthma, anxiety and depression. 

Common causes of stress

The most common cause of stress are:

• work
• finances
• responsibilities
• relationships
• personal health
• legal issues

Stress management, coping strategies and headline news

If you are suffering from stress, it’s essential to talk to someone. Reach out to family and friends and even further if things become too challenging. Through talking with trained professionals, and getting a clear understanding of why you are stressed, they can create a unique stress management strategy and teach you coping skills. Programs can be implemented short-term or long-term depending on the levels of stress you are experiencing. 

New developments in the treatment of stress-related conditions have recently hit the headlines. In the UK, online depression therapy has been given the go-ahead in England. The green light has been given to the NHS to give depression sufferers quicker access to help. Find out more here.

Sometimes, medical intervention is needed for stress management. Medication can be prescribed to combat stress, such as tranquillizers, beta blockers and inhibitors. Common types are alprazolam, clonazepam, lorazepam and diazepam, all of which come with side effects and are addictive. 

In April, the Tokyo University of Science published a report about the non-addictive drug KNT-127 and its link to the effective treatment of stress and depression. We’ve studied the report; read our latest article to find out more

Self-care and mindfulness are essential to minimise the effect of stress on the body. Here are some reminders on how you can look after yourself.

• Talk to people, share your concerns and ask for help
• Find a form or therapy that works for you
• Create a time management plan and prioritise
• If possible, reduce exposure to stressful situations
• Find methods of distraction when stress levels increase
• Educate yourself about healthy living, including exercise
• Stay hydrated and eat a nutritional diet
• Create a good sleeping routine and take time to relax
• Surround yourself with people that make you feel good
• Reduce the consumption of stimulants and junk food
• Try aromatherapy, massage or acupuncture 
• Be mindful with meditation, yoga, Tai Chi or Pilates
• Read, write and listen to music or therapeutic sounds
• Try a new hobby
• Have pamper sessions
• Find a discussion group
• Try to have a positive attitude

We know it is all easier said than done but stress management is about choice, choose how you respond to stressful situations, and don’t just let your body take control.

StressPro™ is a relaxant for anxiety and stress, and can aid with sleep if taken at night.

Ingredients include:
1 .) L-tryptophan is an amino acid that helps your body make proteins and control some chemicals in the brain. The body changes L-Tryptophan into serotonin which helps control mood and sleep. It has also been shown to help control anxiety and stress levels by reducing the hormone cortisol.

2.) GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid) is a neurotransmitter that blocks impulses between nerve cells and the brain. It works by inhibiting the neural cells in the brain and central nervous system which in turn reduces stress, helping to create a calm mood, and helping maintain mental balance.

3.) Magnesium maintaining healthy levels of magnesium helps the nervous system resist feeling stressed. Magnesium increases GABA levels in the body. Magnesium also helps to restrict the release of stress hormone and actually helps to filter them and prevent them from entering the brain.

4.) B6 helps the body produce serotonin (mood regulator) helping the body cope with stress.

Available to buy here: https://profound-health.com/product/stresspro/

References

• https://www.cnbc.com/2023/03/14/burnout-is-on-the-rise-gen-z-millennials-and-women-are-the-most-stressed.html
• https://www.who.int/news/item/28-05-2019-burn-out-an-occupational-phenomenon-international-classification-of-diseases
• https://www.stress.org/workplace-stress#:~:text=An%20estimated%201%20million%20workers,employees%20thinking%20about%20their%20stressors