StressBuster: How to manage your stress levels effectively
Did you know that stress is much more complex than you think, and that if left unmanaged it can be fatal?
Our internal or external environment can cause us a high degree of stress if left unmanaged. Most of us may think of stress as just feeling under pressure at work or at home. But long-term stress has a much more profound effect on our emotional, mental and physical health and wellbeing. Our cells, tissues, and organs can become drained of energy reserves and either exposed to dangerously high levels of biochemicals (e.g. adrenaline or cortisone hormones) or become chronically depleted in essential nutrients or minerals (e.g. magnesium). One of the organs affected by stress is our thymus gland, which can become exhausted and even significantly shrink in size.
When this happens, the activation of our immune cells (T-cells) can become unregulated and open us up to disease. During chronic stress, we produce high amounts of adrenaline (a stress hormone). Our much-required baseline levels of magnesium can also begin to deplete, as our cells release magnesium into our blood to boost energy production and muscle activity (including our heart). Magnesium depletion caused by stress can then lead to increased anxiety, chronic fatigue, depression, gastrointestinal problems, high blood pressure, insomnia, impaired immune system, migraine, and heart attack.
Manage your lifestyle
It is of major importance that you identify what is causing the continued stress in your life, by following a holistic approach. If you are unable to eliminate the cause(s), at least reduce or manage it. So, how can you practically manage your stress levels?
Five simple stress management tips
Engage in deep relaxation routines
Eat nutritious food and drink plenty of water
Supplement or soak yourself with important minerals to reduce stress. Magnesium is a miracle mineral stress buster great for de-stressing and relaxing.
Exercise: Get a small sunshine dose, walk barefoot in nature and breathe fresh beach or forest air.
Practise wellness: Healthy habits on a daily basis to attain better physical and mental health outcomes.
You can overcome stress, anxiety and depression by taking an active role in your lifestyle. Take the time out for wellness, your emotional wellbeing, and your mental health.