From Distress to De-stress

Look for the early signs of stress and overcome them.

The human body is a fascinating masterpiece of brilliant genius. It gives us warnings at the first start of the trouble, and if we are willing to stop and listen, we can hear them for what they are- A Sign To Make Change And Calm Down.

Even though our bodies go through a storm, and put up with a lot of our indiscipline there comes a point when enough is enough, and it starts showing signs of giving up. No one develops a disease overnight, so it's logical enough to look for the early signs of body burnout and take steps towards correcting it.

Some of the obvious signs can manifest into a long-term lifestyle disease. Listed below are the early Not- So- Obvious- Signs, that your body might be chronically stressed and which may go unnoticed --

FREQUENT ILLNESS -

Long-term stress is the biggest contributor to lowered immunity as the body is not in any position to fight infections. Some people exhibit respiratory infections while some show signs of gastric or also kidney and liver involvement as levels of stress hormones is high. Metabolic stress disrupts the endocrine system where all the hormonal balances are thrown off guard.

SLEEPLESSNESS-

Increased levels of cortisol in the body forces the sleep hormone melatonin to slow down making you unable to sleep. Too much stress and for a long time can create sleep disorders more frequently, affecting your overall productivity in the day.

FREQUENT HEADACHES-

Stress often leads to headaches with a contributing factor of jaw and teeth clenching. Migraine and low-grade cluster headaches are frequently seen in people who are constantly stressed.

IRREGULAR BOWELS-

We attribute most bowel problems to the kind of food we eat. But since our body and gut work proficiently along the GUT - BRAIN axis, any stress that's going on in the mind can affect long-term digestion. The long term stress is related to Irritable bowel syndrome or Leaky Gut or Constipation

SKIN PROBLEMS

The skin is like a window to everything that's going on inside the body, and chronic stress, which increases stress hormones and cortisol increases oil production leading to acne breakouts. The gut which is affected complies with inflammatory disorders manifested as autoimmune skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema.

THINNING HAIR

Regardless of gender, stress is directly responsible for hair thinning and hair loss and a peculiar disorder of pulling out one's own hair subconsciously due to heightened stress and anxiety. Hair massages and herbal applications of hair boosters can help.

RINGING IN EARS

Stress can also be attributed to Constant Ear ringing (tinnitus)which is extremely annoying and over time can lead to uncomfortable bouts of dizziness.

IRREGULAR MENSTRUAL CYCLE

Stress affects the primary hormone control center in the brain called the hypothalamus which signals the pituitary gland to release estrogen and progesterone for the onset of periods. This leads to delayed, light, or even missed periods.

LOW LIBIDO

Stress also throws your sex hormones out of whack, not to mention the difficulty in getting in the mood when your mind is racing with stressful events.

When you start seeing the above signs... Pause and Take a rest. Provide the nourishment and care it is desperately craving.

Our body has an immensely amazing power to take control of our stress levels. Stress that arises out of- Demanding work, Toxic relations, Unaccomplished dreams, can be addressed by incorporating mindful practices in our daily lives. Here is a list of how to deal with stress

1.Journal your thoughts

2.Light a candle

3.Reduce caffeine intake

4.Spend time with friends and family

5.Laugh out loud

6.Supplements can help

7.Bathe with Epsom salt

8.Soak feet in lukewarm water

9.Excercise is the best destresser

10.Maintain sleep hygiene