There is no such thing as living life stress-free. There will constantly be stressful events in your life at one point or another. You can have a difficult exam to prepare for or a very important job interview. You might be in a rocky place with a friendship or relationship that causes stress. Stress is sometimes good as it motivates us to perform well for the task on hand. Other times, stress can have negative effects. It all depends how you handle it.
What is and what causes stress?
Stress is a normal reaction your body has when responding to a change. The body can respond to stress in three different ways: physically, mentally and emotionally. As previously mentioned, stress can be experienced both positively and negatively. An example of some positive stress would be getting a promotion or having a child. You know it’s going to be a challenging journey, but it’s one you’re excited to partake in. Stress becomes a problem when an individual experiences stress in their life without relief or relaxation from these stressors. As a result, this person becomes over-stressed and tension begins to build in the body. Some examples of such stressors would be debt, problems at work or with a relationship.
Stress is becoming a very normal feeling according to studies being done. Forty-eight percent of Canadians have reported feeling “really or seriously stressed” at least once a week. Additionally, 47 percent of Canadians say they face stress of the bad variety.
What happens to my body when I’m stressed?
Some common signs that you are stressed is a dizzy feeling. It’s hard to focus on tasks and some may claim to feel out of it. Another common symptom is an increase or loss of appetite, it depends on the person. Jaw clenching, teeth grinding and tension in the neck area are also common signs of stress. Stress that continues to build up without relief leads to distress, which is a negative reaction. Distress can disturb your entire body. It can lead to psychical symptoms like headaches, upset stomach, chest pain and sleeping problems. Emotional problems such as depression and anxiety can also occur from distress.
How can I cope with stress?
There are many ways in managing stress, you just have to find what works for you. The most important thing in coping with stress is keeping a positive attitude. Easier said than done, but studies have shown that optimism and pessimism can actually affect your health. Positive thinking leads to lower rates of depression and an increased life span. Another way to deal with stress is setting aside time for an activity you like to do. It could be reading, listening to music or doing a puzzle. Exercising is a fantastic option as well. When we are stressed, our body releases adrenaline and cortisol. Physical exercise can be used as a way to metabolize the stress hormones coursing through your body.
In other words, your body will be restored to a more calm and relaxed state when you exercise. Lastly, setting a schedule for yourself is crucial for managing stress. I’m sure you’ve heard many complain they have never enough time in the day to do what they want. By setting a schedule, you are allotting specific times for your plans. This will help you become better at time management and will make things feel less overwhelming. Many times, what causes stress cannot be eliminated but how we deal with it is the key.
How salt therapy can help in stress?
An underestimated option that can also help with stress is salt therapy. Salt therapy is the process of inhaling small salt particles invisible to the eye. Typically, salt therapy is used to treat respiratory conditions. A few examples would be asthma, bronchitis and allergies. However, salt therapy can also treat stress very well. An interesting fact to note is that we are surrounded by positive ions all the time. Our electronic devices and air pollution are the two biggest culprits for releasing positive ions.
These positive ions can create an increased feeling of stress and anxiety. Bringing salt therapy into this, salt contains negative ions. Negative ions would typically be found in nature. They’re found in plants and areas with moving water such as a river or waterfall. Negative ions have a positive effect on the body. They’re believed to produce biochemical reactions that increase levels of serotonin in the body. Increased levels of serotonin alleviate depression, reduce stress and boost energy.
Stress does not have to take over your life. There are ways to cope and manage it. Salt therapy is one of the fantastic options for lowering stress levels. With the purchase of a salt machine you can create an environment in which you surround yourself with negative ions. It’s like going to the beach without ever leaving your home. Let your body remember what it’s like to relax and try salt therapy today.
Depression can last anywhere from months to years, and makes it extremely challenging to continue on in daily life. Depression puts a strain on relationships and careers as well. Some people can’t understand why you aren’t able to “snap out of it “and become frustrated with the person. Some even think the person may have nothing to be depressed about. Depression doesn’t work that way. It isn’t like a light switch you can turn on and off. It’s a real mental illness and those with depression can’t just decide to stop feeling depressed. Unlike sadness or stress, we all experience in life every once in a while, depression is consuming and makes you feel helpless with no way out.
