Is your fast paced life slowly killing you?

Whilst stress is a normal part of life, it’s not healthy to live in a constant state of mental, emotional or physical stress.   The human body is designed to experience stress and react to it, keeping us alert and ready to avoid danger. But when a person faces continuous challenges without relief or relaxation between events, stress becomes damaging.

There is a growing body of evidence that suggest stress is the most serious health problem affecting society today.  And it’s not just the major crises in our lives that are the culprit. Our brain interprets ‘constant busyness’ as stress, depleting the body of important nutrients and increasing the production of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.  When stress hormones are constantly flooding the body, all our tissues and organs are damaged over time. One of the most common effects of long term stress is unwanted weight gain.

Stress (or a very demanding pace of life) that continues without relief can play a part in diabetes, heart problems, skin conditions, stomach problems, asthma, arthritis, weight gain, sleep problems, depression and anxiety.  There is a huge body of evidence linking stressful events from childhood to significantly increased risk for serious health problems as an adult.

So what can you do to support your body during times of stress?

1. Take a high quality vitamin B complex. B vitamins are burned rapidly during times of stress and are essential for the nervous system
2. Top up on magnesium and calcium. Your body needs these two minerals in equal measure to cope with stress and to be able to relax
3. Get more sleep. There are many non-addictive supplements and herbs that can help you get a better night’s sleep
4. Regular exercise is great for the brain, improves mood and can help release pent up emotional energy
5. Explore natural approaches to reducing stress and healing the body from its damaging effects
6. Examine your lifestyle. Perhaps it’s time to ask yourself if your current pace of life is really worth the price

It’s easy to get caught up in the never ending ‘to-do’ list. But it’s time to take stock and plan some good old fashioned down time into each day.  Taking time out for leisure activities and having fun with friends and family should form an important part of your health, weight maintenance and wellness strategy.  There’s definitely some truth in the saying “laughter is the best medicine”!

For more information about how to reduce stress and maintain a healthy weight contact MiracuLoss at www.miraculoss.co.nz or call 04 2338820