Reading time: 8 minutes Last edit: May 28

Reducing stress in a stress society

Directly to:

• • What is stress
  • What is the difference between chronic and acute stress?
  • What effects does stress have on my body?
  • Does positive thinking affect my body?
  • How can I reduce stress?
  • Which supplements against stress?
  • Free advice
  • Summary

What exactly is stress?

This is the body's response to a real or perceived threat. You could say the body prepares to take action. There is acute stress (short-term) and chronic stress (long-term). Chronic stress can cause physical and mental illness.

What is the difference between chronic stress and acute stress?

Work stress is by far the most significant source of chronic stress for adults, but research shows that children, teenagers, and young adults are also experiencing it increasingly frequently. This is due to factors such as school pressure, peer pressure, or social isolation and loneliness. This has only been exacerbated in the past year by the coronavirus crisis.

Acute stress

It enables you to survive in dangerous situations. For example, if a lion is charging at you, your body enables you to flee. Or if your boss just informed you that the deadline has been moved to tonight, while you still have to start that one project. All sorts of different processes occur in your body that enable you to flee or to keep working hard.

What effects does it have on my body?

• Increased heart rate (palpitations)
• Increased blood pressure
• Increased breathing
• Increased adrenaline
• Increased blood sugar levels
• Increased blood clotting mechanisms
• Increased muscle function

Stress also causes your immune system to shut down. This can be very beneficial in the short term, but if it persists for a longer period, it can have many negative consequences. Did you know that just one minute of anger can suppress your immune system for six hours?

Does positive thinking affect my body?

The power of positive thinking on our bodies is immense. A person's mindset and the human body are closely linked. Mindset influences the health of the physical system. A positive outlook on life can create a cheerfulness that affects the entire system (the human body). This allows blood to circulate more freely, strengthening the entire body. Learn to think positively by consciously capturing beautiful moments every day.

How can I reduce stress?

We're all subject to various stressors; the amount and factors vary from person to person. So does how we respond to them. Don't be too hard on yourself for being stressed. It happens to all of us, and these are some ways to better manage stress.

• Relax. And this is easier said than done, we know. But try to find some relaxation more often throughout the day. This varies from person to person, but it can be as simple as stepping into the garden, taking a short walk, reading, or listening to music.
• Mindfulness. Mindfulness exercises can also help you relax and focus on your body.
• Regularity. Maintain a regular routine in your life. Go to bed on time, wake up around the same time every day, eat around the same time, and do something active every day.
• Make agreements with yourself. This might sound a bit strange, but tell yourself you're only allowed to think about things for a certain amount of time. When you're stressed, thoughts will run wild all day long. Become aware of these thoughts and agree with yourself that you'll only spend 30 minutes a day thinking about them. If the thoughts come up sooner, tell yourself, "I'll think about this later."
• Talk it over. Are you experiencing stress? Discuss it with someone. The person in question may not be able to do anything about it, but they can take this into account. For example, at work, someone could give you fewer tasks, or at home, someone could cook more often, etc.
• Supplements. Of course, supplements can also provide you with peace and relaxation. Check out our wide range of supplements that provide support during stressful periods.

Which supplements are best to take when I'm stressed?

The increased adrenaline suddenly released during stress causes the body to rapidly utilize important vitamins and nutrients such as amino acids, vitamins, and minerals like magnesium. Many people today live chronically stressed lives, without sufficient intake of essential minerals and vitamins to compensate for their body's increased needs. This makes many people very vulnerable to the damaging effects of stress.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that scavenges free radicals and protects against the harmful effects of stress. When you're stressed for an extended period, it's beneficial to take vitamin C. Note that vitamin C supplements will never replace your diet, but they are a useful addition.

Magnesium

Magnesium : is an essential mineral, especially during stressful periods. Magnesium is often called the anti-stress mineral. During the reaction (the release of cortisol and adrenaline), the body simultaneously releases magnesium to compensate for the shocking effects of adrenaline. Therefore, it's good to take extra magnesium when you're feeling anxious. Magnesium supplements can help with this.

Ultimate Relax Complex

The Ultimate Relax Complex is a herbal preparation containing natural herbs and extracts, including garlic, which can help the body relax during stressful situations and contribute to normal resistance to stress. The mineral magnesium is also added for the proper functioning of the nervous system.

Active B12 support

Did you know that even people who don't eat a plant-based diet can develop a vitamin B12 deficiency? Vitamin B12 is also called cobalamin. Excessive stress can cause a vitamin B12 deficiency. This vitamin is essential for circulatory and nervous systems. When you're stressed, it's a good idea to supplement your vitamin B12 to prevent deficiencies.

Ashwagandha complex

Ashwagandha* is an herb from India and a member of the nightshade family. It is also known as Indian ginseng. This plant compound can contribute to the body's ability to adapt to stressful situations. *Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this product if you are taking antidepressants, have liver problems, have thyroid problems, or are taking thyroid hormones. Caution is advised when using medications that promote serotonin production (particularly antidepressants), as Ashwagandha can enhance the effects of these medications. If in doubt, always order with a qualified pharmacist and/or doctor.

Free advice

Almost everyone experiences stress at some point. This isn't a problem, and is even quite normal. If you notice this happening to you more often, it's advisable to contact a professional.

Summary

A busy period, feeling restless—we all experience them from time to time. And that's okay. Anxiety or stress can actually make us more alert and focused in some situations, like during a presentation or a job interview. But too much is never good. It can even lead to physical problems, and then you need to take action. Make sure you get enough exercise every day, get outside, eat healthily, and use supplements. Our supplements can help reduce stress.

Need more inspiration?

Visit our Instagram page or check out our other recipes and blogs for more healthy and tasty ideas.

Frequently asked questions about our supplements

Are the supplements plant-based?

Yes, all supplements are completely plant-based. They are completely natural and available as a plant-based capsule or softgel.

How long does it take for the supplements to work?

We can't specify a timeframe. It depends on your health, how many deficiencies you have, and how much and how regularly you take the supplements. What we can say is that, generally speaking, you won't see a noticeable effect for several months.