According to the American Psychological Society chronic stress can be linked to as many as six leading causes of death including heart disease, cancer, cirrhosis of the liver, suicide, accidents and lung disease. With such staggering implications, you would think stress management would be a main priority in the US. Sadly for many, stress treatment and interventions come too late. But there’s still hope now! Daily changes and support are available. Keep reading for helpful stress busters when you're feeling maxed.
Constant stress is harmful to the physical body because of the harmful reactions it can cause. The body’s “fight or flight” response was designed to keep the human body in a state of alertness for the sake of protection from predators and other dangers in the environment. The fight or flight response reaction activates the sympathetic nervous system which stimulates the adrenal gland. This activation triggers the release of adrenaline and noradrenaline catecholamines. These hormones increase heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, mental alertness and muscle strength. This constant state of elevated anxiety can be detrimental to one's health, causing elevated blood pressure and increased stress hormones such as cortisol. Cortisol is considered the primary stress hormone in the body and is responsible for curbing reactions that are typically considered non-essential during an emergency. This results in increased levels of sugar in the blood, which can lead to hyperglycemia, leading to long term implications such as Type 2 diabetes.
In order to manage stress in the body, some lifestyle changes must be made. Many lifestyle changes help support stress by lowering cortisol levels and allowing the body to stabilize and maintain a healthier state. According to the CDC, physical activity can have a huge impact on a person’s mental well being as well as the physical body. So can drinking enough water, eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and avoiding drugs and alcohol. Making your needs a priority during times of increased stress is highly recommended. Taking a break from social media and the news are also encouraged. Connecting with friends and family or a therapist to talk through problems can be very comforting. In cases of extreme or ongoing stress, doctors may suggest medication or supplements to help pave the way for healing.
Due to the increasing demand for stress reduction, adaptogens have become a popular go to. Adaptogens are categorized as natural herbs that help the body adapt to stress and help normalize and balance the effects of stress on the body. Some popular adaptogens being Maca, GABA, and Holy Basil. Holy Basil is a flowering plant of the mint family gaining attention for its wide range of benefits including decreased stress levels and improved sleep. The most highly regarded version being the latest Holixer Holy Basil. Holixer Holy Basil is the first clinically studied form of Holy Basil made with Bioactive Optimization Technology. In a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled study, Holixer Holy Basil resulted in a greater reduction in cortisol levels, increased sleep quality as well as stress improvement. After eight weeks, perceived stress decreased by 37% overall compared to 19% in the placebo group. And Double Wood’s exclusive Holixer Holy Basil complex is Vegan, GMO free, Gluten free, and Soy free, making it tolerable for most diet restrictions. Making it a popular addition to everyone's stress free routine. Give yourself a break and try one of our adaptogenics.