Stress is an unavoidable part of life. More and more, people are becoming overwhelmed with the demands of modern life. Stress triggers our ‘fight or flight’ response, preparing the body from potential danger. Hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline are released, causing our breathing rate, heart rate and metabolism to speed up. This is beneficial in the short term but prolonged stress can have damaging effects.
Stress reduces digestion and impairs the absorption of our nutrients required for everyday function. Furthermore, stress places a larger demand on the body for vital nutrients such as magnesium and B vitamins.
Prolonged, unmanaged stress can contribute to diseases such as cardiovascular disease, thyroid disease, type 2 diabetes, adrenal fatigue, inflammatory conditions and more.
Symptoms of chronic stress include:
- Fatigue
- Digestive issues
- Sleep issues
- Migraines or headaches
- Irregular periods
- Skin issues
- Weight gain or loss
- Anxiety
Some of the ways I personally manage my stress levels include:
- Walking my dogs – exercise is a wonderful stress relief activity. The added benefit is spending time in nature! 20 minutes in nature, three times a week has been shown to reduce cortisol levels.
- Essential oils – if you come to my home you’re usually going to smell something in the diffuser! Oils such as lavender, orange, geranium and ylang ylang encourages relaxation and contains stress relieving properties.
- Epsom salt baths – another fabulous way to relax muscle tension, give back some of the magnesium your body might be dumping and to take some time out for YOU.
- Supplementation - I usually take magnesium and B vitamins daily but if I am under a lot of stress I may introduce herbs that help nourish the adrenals, manage cortisol levels and reduce anxiety such as Withania, Passionflower, Licorice and Lemon Balm.
- Chiropractic Care and Massage – I might be a little bias but Dr Steve, Dr Michael and Christina do a wonderful job of helping my nervous system function at it’s very best! It’s like a reset for my body and when I don’t go regularly, I notice a difference.
There are many practical and small things each of us can do to manage our stress levels and the effects they have on our health. If you would like a personalised plan for your health, please get In touch, I’d love to help.
To your best health!
Taylah Teschner (BHSc Nat)
Get to know Taylah
“Through the use of evidence-based medicines derived from nature and
implementation of healthy lifestyle practices,
we are able to support the body’s own innate ability to heal itself.
This leads to more sustainable and long-term health outcomes.”
Taylah’s passions are natural health, family, good food and her dog Ruby!