If you suffer from this you're probably really stressed

Stress is such a common part of our modern-day lives and the reality is most people don’t even realize how stressed they really are or how it can negatively impact their health. Our bodies however instantly know when something is off and subsequently send us warning signs and symptoms to get our attention. Unfortunately, the busy everyday lifestyle can distract us from receiving these messages and additionally contribute to our stress. Stress becomes chronic when it is left unresolved and builds up inside, which can sometimes cause irreversible damage to the body. 

The good news

Once you become more aware of your body and begin to focus on the present moment you will be able to know and feel when something is off, and therefore help prevent chronic stress from developing!

Here are the top signs and symptoms to look for if you think you’ve fallen victim to stress, plus easy ways to incorporate mindful activities to help keep your stress at bay.    

This is your body saying “I’m really stressed”

Thinning hair

It’s true, stress can cause hair loss and this is a big indication of chronic stress that many people are unaware of! This doesn’t discriminate against age, or gender and can happen to anyone who is suffering from long-term stress. If you notice your hair thinning there are effective supplements you can take to improve the growth, thickness and health of your hair such as collagen, and biotin, but it is always best to speak with your doctor first as it could be an indication of something bigger. 

Low or no libido

Yup! This one is not so fun, and when you’re super stressed you know the feeling of not being “in the mood” we’ve all experienced it. This is because high levels of stress can throw your sex hormones off balance affecting your sex drive and mood. The good news is there are amazing herbs and natural supplements you can take to help improve your libido and balance your sex hormones. 

You’re always sick

Chronic stress decreases our immune function which results in being more prone to viruses and bacteria. You know that dinner you have to cancel with your friends AGAIN because you’re feeling under the weather? Yeah! It’s like you can’t catch a freaking break. That’s your body telling you to slow down and relax. Being in a constant “fight or flight” state can be a huge blow to the immune system, fortunately we have the power to take control of our body and improve this by taking immune supplements in addition to getting adequate sleep and partaking in stress-relieving activities.   

Irregular bowel movements 

Your bowels aren’t solely dependent on food alone, stress can be a major trigger for those ever-changing unpleasant bathroom habits.  

Sleeping problems

Chronic stress causes cortisol levels to skyrocket which can result in lower melatonin levels, meaning at night your body is still on high alert and therefore isn’t ready for bedtime even if you are, causing sleepless nights! 

Mindful ways to relieve stress

Although you can’t always prevent stress from happening as it is a natural (in small doses) part of life, there are effective short-term ways you can relieve and minimize it, which in turn will help balance your body and lower overall stress.  

INSTANT WAYS TO RELIEVE STRESS

• Breathing exercises
• Aromatherapy 
• Stress relief ball
• Listening to music 
• Do 25 jumping jacks 

These tricks for relieving stress instantly are great temporary solutions, but only act as a band-aid approach to the root issue. Therefore it’s important to incorporate different ways to increase your resilience to stress in your everyday life to balance your mind, body and soul.

HOW TO INCREASE YOUR RESILIENCE 

• Exercise daily 
• Yoga/stretching 
• Get adequate sleep 7-9 hours
• Stress supporting supplements
• Eat a healthy well-balanced diet
• Practice mindful meditation 
• Surround yourself with positive friends and family 
• Make time for a self-care routine every week