Stress is one of the silent causes that can disrupt work and family life.   Traffic, finances, family problems, unemployment, and raising children are just a few examples of stressors in our lives.   If left untreated long enough, our bodies can create medical problems that are an indication that something is definitely wrong.  Symptoms like the following can be indications that we have too much stress in our lives:

The problem with the above list is that many of us are treated for the symptoms of diseases that manifest, not the underlying cause, which is stress!  The reason why so many diseases result from long periods of stress is that our adrenal glands become utterly exhausted and can no longer function to help our bodies deal with stress. They simply cannot work any longer and we suffer for it because we cannot handle stress any more. 

The main function of our adrenal glands date back to our primitive caveman days when we had to fight or flee from predators.  Under the influence of the hormones that are produced by our adrenal glands (adrenaline and cortisol), our hearts beat faster and we breathe faster and more deeply.  Our bodies divert blood away from our intestines and direct it towards our muscles so that we can run faster and ultimately survive.  

While this is essential for running away from a bear, it is not helpful for our bodies to be reacting to the constant stress that we experience in every day society.   When our bodies are always preparing for a fight or flight scenario, (when in actuality the stress is heavy traffic, being late, deadlines at work, family problems, financial problems, etc.) health problems such as those listed above can manifest.

There are ways to help lessen the stress that your body experiences.

1.      Take a good multi-vitamin supplement.  People under stress need more nutrients in their bodies and a good muti-vitamin can help.  Synthetic vitamins are not a great choice as our bodies do not absorb and use them very easily.  The best ones that I have found are made by Metagenics and Seroyal.  These can be found in your local health professional’s office as they are not sold in health food stores.  You can ask your local chiropractor or naturopath for more information.

2.      See your chiropractor.  We help to reduce the physical stress that your body is experiencing.

3.      Take an extra Vitamin B complex supplement that includes Vitamin B6.  This is especially good for counteracting the effects of stress on the body.

4.      Take extra Vitamin C.  Vitamin C helps to eliminate environmental toxins.

5.      Avoid stimulants such as caffeine, nicotine and/or alcohol.  They can provide an instant “boost" of energy, but they eventually lower blood sugar and provide a drop in overall energy in the long run.

6.     Start your day with hemp hearts.  They provide all of the essential proteins and essential fatty acids that you need in a day.  They provide lots of energy and help you eliminate cravings for sugar.  You can find hemp hearts in your local health food store.

7.     Drink herbal tea. Herbal teas such as passionflower, valerian, skullcap, kava kava and chamomile are very helpful to relax the nervous system.

8.      Try some exercise.  It helps to decrease muscle tension, it improves your mood and it is good for you.

9.      Treat yourself to a massage.  It helps your muscles to relax and reverses the negative effects of stress.

10. Try yoga or meditation.  This is another great way to reduce the effects that stress places on your body.

11. Take 30 minutes to yourself every day.  Enjoy a hot bath with candles and soothing music, a walk by yourself, a nap or anything that is meaningful to you.

12. Take your calcium supplement and go to bed early.  Sleep rejuvenates the body and people who take calcium just before sleeping rest more deeply and wake up refreshed.

13. Take stock of your commitments. Make a list of all the things in your life that provide stress and see what you can eliminate right away, or delegate to someone else.  

14. Find something funny to laugh at.  Humor and laughter are wonderful stress busters.