Every mind matters.

Stress is most likely a very familiar term to most, and so more is the feeling of stress.

About 3 out of 5 adults across the globe experience stress on a daily basis. Yet, people do not realize the mental impact of stress and the absolute importance of effective stress management for a healthy mental status.

What is stress exactly?

Stress is a hormonal response by the body. The brain (hypothalamus) sends signals throughout the nervous system to the kidneys, which then release hormones including adrenaline and cortisol.

A rise in adrenaline leads to increased heart rate, breathing rate, and perspiration.

Short-term stress is unlikely to cause many health concerns, however long-term exposure to stress and the release of adrenaline and cortisol might lead to major health concerns such as weight gain, high blood pressure, anxiety, etc.

Chronic stress is thus equivalent to a constant state of fight or flight, highlighting the importance of effective stress management:

Acknowledging stress: Acknowledging stress is the first step to managing stress.

Identifying the symptoms of stress is not that easy as it is commonly mistaken for typical symptoms of being overworked, menstrual cycle symptoms, digestive problems, etc.

Common symptoms of stress include:

• digestive problems (diarrhea, upset stomach, excessive urination)

• excessive sweating

• high blood pressure

• palpitations

• irregular menstrual cycles

• sadness

• insomnia

• sleepiness

• chronic headaches

• frequent colds and flu (stress decreases your immune system)

• lower libido

• weigth gain

Identifying the source of stress:

Stress can be caused by multiple sources in our daily lives. Avoiding stress is inevitable, thus it is important to identify the stressor and the root cause of stress to manage the symptoms thereof.

Identifying the cause of stress in your life will enable you to implement stress-managing habits and control the effect of stress on your daily lifestyle more effectively.

Implementing stress relieving habits:

Hacking the happiness chemicals;

Dopamine (the reward chemical)

• completing a task

• doing self-care activities

• eating food

Endorphin (the pain killer)

• laughing

• essential oils

• dark chocolate

• exercising

Serotonin (the mood stabilizer)

• meditating

• running, swimming, cycling

• sun exposure

Oxytocin (the love chemical)

• playing with pets, or babies

• holding hands

• hugging family or loved ones

• giving compliments

Learning healthy ways to relieve stress or reduce its harmful effects is essential in managing stress. What works for one will not necessarily work for others, thus it is important that you identify what works well for you and prioritize implementing these habits and mechanisms actively in your life.

Managing stress is not about avoiding stress at all, managing stress is about easing the effects of stress and creating a happier, healthier, and more comfortable life.

Daily stress management is essential for living a healthy and happy life, therefore start building your own mind happy habits and routine today.

A nourished mind is a nourished life.