10 Oct Managing Chronic Stress and Anxiety
Posted at 16:10h
in Blog
Whether it’s juggling work and family, dealing with financial pressures, managing school work, or simply navigating the uncertainty of the world around us, stress and anxiety can take a toll on our mental well-being. When we leave our stress and anxiety unmanaged, it becomes chronic and can negatively impact every aspect of our health. Chronic stress and anxiety have become all too common, affecting not only our emotional state but also our physical health, relationships, and overall quality of life.
But amidst this chaos, there is hope. It’s possible to find a sense of serenity, even in the face of chronic stress and anxiety. In honour of World Mental Health Day, here are some effective strategies and techniques for managing these overwhelming feelings and regaining control of your life.
*These suggestions are not intended to replace appropriate professional advice. Please check labels for contraindications and check with your pharmacist if you are on prescription drugs. These suggestions are based on over 40 years of customer experience at Jo Anne’s Place.
Digestion, reproduction, cell repair, detoxification, and the immune system are all suppressed as a result of low-level, chronic stress. Here are some suggestions for reducing the risks.
Diet
– Drink 7-10 glasses of filtered or spring water daily. Chlorine destroys beneficial gut flora and can interfere with iodine absorption.
– Consume a diet that is 75-80% alkaline forming. An alkaline diet can support health by limiting processed foods and promoting whole foods.
– Focus on antioxidants. See Dr Josh Axe’s Top 10 Antioxidants.
– Enjoy fermented foods regularly. They improve digestion, PH balance, and mood. We’re big fans of Living Alchemy‘s fermented products which are available at Jo Anne’s Place.
– Eat lean meats, small-body fish, and free-run organic eggs in moderation. Amino acids from protein sources are important for the production of many neurotransmitters. Turkey is a good source of tryptophan which supports serotonin (a feel-good hormone) synthesis.
– Have one or two cups of organic coffee daily to increase serotonin and dopamine levels.
– Cherry juice is a good source of melatonin. Melatonin affects the timing and quality of sleep. It is necessary for the production of serotonin, which increases feelings of well-being upon waking. Cherry juice also has anti-inflammatory properties.
– Green tea is a source of theanine which promotes mental calm and reduces cortisol levels. Holy Basil tea promotes a feeling of well-being and peace. It reduces cortisol, fights inflammation, normalizes blood glucose, and is highly beneficial for the lungs.
Supplements
Chronic stress and anxiety can cause serious imbalances in the body’s gastrointestinal, endocrine, cardiovascular, and nervous systems. Taking supplements can help offset these imbalances and the deficiencies they cause, therefore improving many symptoms of chronic stress and anxiety.
– If you know Jo Anne’s Place, you know we love Bio-Strath. Bio-Strath is a great general supplement, made with herbal yeast which provides numerous vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and more to the body. Studies in Europe have shown it reduces anxiety, improves stress tolerance, and provides mental clarity.
– Extra folate (not folic acid) – Symptoms of deficiency are anxiety, depression, shortness of breath, poor concentration and memory. Folate is also needed to detoxify pesticides so there may be a connection between symptoms and pesticide toxicity.
– Vitamin C. Vitamin C deficiency reduces the production of neurotransmitters associated with anxiety.
– Zinc. Individuals who are under chronic stress often have high copper and low zinc levels. Zinc is beneficial for anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders.
– Vitamin D. Anxiety and depression are conditions associated with a Vitamin D deficiency.
– Ashwagandha effectively combats stress, anxiety, depression, and fatigue.
Lifestyle
There are many simple lifestyle changes you can make to help manage and adapt to chronic stress and anxiety.
– Consider doing a detox. Anxious and uneasy feelings can be caused by acidosis, an accumulation of acid waste in the system.
– Meditation, Yoga, and Tai Chi have all been shown to reduce stress and relieve anxiety. Classes also provide an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals.
– Expose yourself to situations that bring out your “best” and avoid those that bring out your “stressed”.
– Homeopathy can be very effective in helping to deal with symptoms of anxiety or stress while you are adapting to a more balanced lifestyle.
– Remember that you are not alone and make sure to reach out for help if your feelings become too overwhelming. There are resources available to you.
The Wellness On Purpose Program
Did you know that ‘reducing’ stressors is not always the best answer to managing stress? Because life is unpredictable and stressors can arise from out of nowhere, it’s important to have tools that allow your body to ADAPT during times of stress
In Pillar 3 of the Wellness on Purpose Program, we focus on different types of stress, the impact of chronic stress on the body, and ways to adapt when experiencing symptoms of stress.
This pillar of the program will be led by wellness experts including a Nutritionist, Registered Social Worker, Massage Therapist, Yoga Teacher, Registered Kinesiologist, and Breathwork Facilitator.
The program is FREE, self-paced, and completely online. Start managing your stress today!
*Please note that this information is not intended to replace the advice of health professionals. Please check with your practitioner and/or pharmacist if you take prescription medications.
