Stress Management – Easy Techniques And Stress Supplements For Beating The Stress Blues

Stress is a term in biology and psychology which refers to the consequence of the failure of an individual to respond appropriately to emotional or physical threats, be it real or imagined. It is a normal physical response to forces from the outside world affecting the individual. Once danger is sensed, the body's defenses spring into action in a rapid, automatic process called the “fight-or-flight” reaction, or the stress response.

The stress response is actually the body’s way of protecting itself. It triggers the release of neurotransmitters from the adrenal glands, specifically from the medulla. The adrenal medulla produces two neurotransmitters, epinephrine and norepinephrine in response to stress. These neurotransmitters are responsible for the physiologic effects observed in the fight or flight reaction such as rapid heart rate, increased strength, heightened alertness, etc. The stress response also helps people rise to meet the cares of daily living. However, beyond a certain point, stress can cause significant damage to health, productivity, relationships, and quality of life. Prolonged exposure to stress can lead to serious health problems. Chronic stress can impair almost every organ system in the body. Long-term stress can also have deleterious effects on the brain that can escalate into anxiety and depression.

Stress Symptoms

Excess stress can present itself in a wide variety of physical, emotional, behavioral, and cognitive symptoms, and these symptoms vary greatly among individuals. Common physical symptoms often reported include sleep disturbances, muscle tension, frequent colds, headache, diarrhea or constipation, nausea, dizziness, loss of sex drive, and fatigue. Emotional and behavioural symptoms that can accompany excess stress include nervousness, anxiety, changes in eating habits, sleeping too much or too little, loss of enthusiasm or energy, mood changes, sense of loneliness and use of substances such as alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs to relax. Cognitive symptoms may include memory problems, poor judgment, inability to concentrate and constant worrying.

It is important to note that the presence of the aforementioned symptoms does not necessarily mean that there is an elevated stress level because all of the symptoms can be caused by other medical and/or psychological disorders. Moreover, the experience of stress is highly individualized. What may be considered as excess stress for one person may not be perceived as stress at all by another. Also, the symptoms of poorly managed stress will differ for each individual.

Stress Management

People who are experiencing any of the symptoms of stress should see a doctor for a full evaluation. A doctor can help determine whether or not the symptoms are stress-related. A stress test may also be performed for a more definitive diagnosis. An example is the Trier Social Stress Test which tries to isolate the effects of personalities on the ability to deal with stress in a laboratory setting. Once it has been ascertained that an individual is indeed suffering from excessive stress, several healthy stress management techniques can be performed. Perhaps the foundation of stress management is the realization that every individual is in control of his/her life. Managing stress is all about taking control: taking control of thoughts, emotions, the immediate environment, and the way people handle problems. The main goal is to have a well-balanced life, with time for work, relationships, relaxation and fun.

Other stress remedies include simple things such as regular exercise, meditation and relaxation techniques. In some cases, the doctor may prescribe medications such as those used in the treatment of anxiety. However, these drugs should only be used cautiously as they may be counterproductive for some patients. In cases where stress leads to a full-blown psychiatric disorder such as clinical depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or anxiety disorders, then psychotropic drugs like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can be used to address the problem. Another option is stress-management counselling which may be in the form of individual or group therapy. These approaches are supervised by mental-health-professionals and they have been proven to reduce symptoms associated with excess stress.

Stress and Acai

Stress is simply a fact of life and it is experienced by everyone. It is protective in nature and it only becomes a problem when it goes beyond a certain limit. However, with today’s fast paced lifestyle and social pressures, more and more people appear to be struggling to cope with stress. This led to the introduction of a host of products that claim to provide relief from stress, but the stark reality is that many of these products are at best useless and can even pose health risks. Amidst all the hype, one product stood head and shoulders above the rest, the Acai berry. Various studies have shown that Acai is effective in reducing stress without any accompanying side effects. This is due to the high concentration of anthocyanins and polyphenols present in the Acai berry.

Those who have been taking Acai tablets found that they feel less stressed. The reason behind this is that Acai is also able to address the symptoms that go with stress. Acai has been proven to strengthen the immune system while providing that extra ounce of energy needed to go about the rigors of daily life. Acai also minimizes the risk of contracting serious diseases, including cancer. Never, ever underestimate the health benefits of this super fruit, people from across the globe have expressed their accolades after having added Acai into their daily diet. So if you feel that the cares of everyday life is taking its toll, look no further. Try Acai and start feeling better and live healthier.