Stress can be defined as a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation. Stress is a natural human response that prompts us to address challenges and threats in our lives.

While everyone will feel stress at times, each person’s experience will be different. Knowing what makes you stressed and how you respond to different challenges in life will help you manage stressful periods.

Stress becomes a problem when it lasts a long time, or if you feel overwhelmed and unable to cope with your situation. When this happens, it is time to take steps to manage your stress to ensure that you are able to function well at work and at home.

How can stress make you feel?

If you are stressed, you might feel:

• Irritable, angry, impatient or wound up
• Over-burdened or overwhelmed
• Anxious, nervous or afraid
• Like your thoughts are racing and you can’t switch off
• Unable to enjoy yourself
• Depressed
• Uninterested in life
• Like you’ve lost your sense of humor
• A sense of dread
• Worried or tense
• Neglected or lonely
• Existing mental health problems getting worse

Some people who go through severe stress may experience suicidal feelings. This can be very distressing.

What are some common causes of stress?

Stress can be triggered by different life experiences, and everyone is stressed by different things, but common external causes of stress include:

• major life events such as a death in the family or divorce
• family illness or health problems
• problems at work or school, financial issues or relationship worries

Internal stress can be brought on by anxiety, depression or self-criticism. Talking negatively about yourself and feeling as though you are never living up to your own or others’ expectations can be very stressful and can strain your mental and physical health.

How can I manage my stress?

Whether your stress is internal or external, relaxation techniques can help you manage stress and boost your ability to cope. There are many different techniques, and it’s important you find the ones that work for you. Examples include slow breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and exercise.

There are also incredible products that can help you manage stress!

Wanderlust Stress Less Adaptogen 60c

Our naturopaths say: A consciously created plant-active blend of Ashwagandha, organic Shatavari, Schisandra, Siberian Ginseng and Green Oats, this product contains ingredients Traditionally used in Ayurvedic Medicine as an adaptogen and rejuvenating tonic and in Traditional Chinese Medicine to relieve symptoms of stress.

Fusion Stress & Anxiety 120 Tablets

Our naturopaths say: Beneficial during periods of intense stress such as work pressure, exam time, or quitting smoking, Fusion Stress & Anxiety contains clinically tested herbs to improve stress adaptation, energy and mental focus, and reduce symptoms of stress and worry.

SuperFeast Ashwagandha Capsules 120s

Our naturopaths say: Ashwagandha is a very well-known and highly revered Ayurvedic rasayana (tonic herb) used for centuries. Use Ashwagandha capsules to support your reproductive hormones, promote healthy sleep patterns and support a healthy stress response in your body.

Herbs of Gold Stress Ease 60T

Our naturopaths say: Herbs of Gold Stress Ease is a unique combination of traditional herbs known as adaptogens, which means they work to improve the health of the adrenal system, the system that manages the hormonal responses to stress in the body. Therefore, this formula is designed to relieve stress and combat exhaustion and strain brought on by mental and physical stress. The active herbs include Tyrosine, an amino acid to support the hormones that regulate stress responses.

References:
https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/stress#:~:text=Stress%20can%20be%20defined%20as,experiences%20stress%20to%20some%20degree.
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/stress/signs-and-symptoms-of-stress/
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/stress