How to live stress free

Photo Credit: Glen Jackson

At times such as these it is imperative that we take extra care of ourselves as stress has been shown to play havoc on one’s system. Some of us may be stressed out but not even know it as stress can show up in many different and sometimes subtle ways. So how do you know if you are living in stress? What are some of the signs?

Stress can show up in cognitive, emotional, physical and behavioural ways. You may experience any or a combination of the following symptoms; poor judgement, an inability to concentrate, constant worry, depression, anxiety, moodiness, overwhelm, isolation, physical aches and pains, upset stomach, dizziness, low libido, eating and sleeping disturbances, neglecting responsibilities or nervous habits, to name just a few.

‘Stress is not what happens to you but what happens within you. It’s a physiological reaction inside the body in response to some kind of stimulus, whether physical or emotional or environmental.’ – Nick Bitz

Living in a constant state of stress can have a harmful impact on the body and is considered one of the most dangerous toxins to the system. So how does stress impact one’s health?

• Changes gene expression
• Burns out the adrenals
• Increases inflammation
• Negatively affects the immune system
• Damages the mitochondria, which produce energy in the body
• Decreases your ability to detoxify
• Affects sex hormones
• Thickens artery walls
• Lowers bone mineral density
• Impacts the function of the gut which can lead to leaky gut, inflammation and autoimmune diseases

The list goes on but luckily there are many ways to destress and turn these symptoms around!

Stress is typically due to a disturbed nervous system and an imbalance in the body, specifically within the bio-energy that is connected to movement within the body. During a time of stress the kinetic energy within the body increases. For short periods this can be beneficial but overtime this can be detrimental to your wellbeing, so make sure to manage stress as soon as you recognise it.

4. Moderate Exercise

To reduce imbalances within the body, try stress reducing exercises such as yoga, swimming, walking, tai chi or qi gong. Stress can deplete the system so opt for resistance training and strength building as opposed to excessive prolonged exercise. It is also a good idea to focus on flexibility as stress can tense up the body. Rest and recovery time are really supportive in balancing too much vata energy so make sure to give yourself a day off from exercise at least once a week. 

5. Get adequate sleep

Stress can exasperate racing and anxious thoughts, making it difficult to fall asleep properly.  If you are worried it is also easy to wake up in the night and not be able to go back to sleep. Sleep is really important and needed in order to restore the body and the mind, especially when one is stressed. Try balancing insufficient sleep by taking a warm bath before bed, drinking a cup of camomile tea, place a few drops of lavender essential oil behind your ears and practise good sleep hygiene by eliminating screen time and stimulants before bed.

If you are finding your stress levels to be high, try adding Avalife™ STRESS FREE  to your daily supplementation. Formulated by Ayurvedic experts and validated by modern science, this powerful formula is packed full of stress reducing herbs such as ashwagandha, holy basil and bacopa. Avalife™ STRESS FREE has been shown to reduce cortisol, relieve stress, bring calmness, improve mental alertness, reduce anxiety and support the adrenals in coping with stress.

No matter your approach, be sure to get a grip on your stress as soon as you can.

You deserve to live your life STRESS FREE.