Stress Hormones: What They Do and How to Combat Them
Stress hormones, part of the body’s fight-or-flight response, are hormones released by the brain in response to a perceived threat. They help you react quickly when faced with danger and propel you into action. Stress hormones also play an important role in regulating your mood, energy levels, and overall well-being.
Stress hormones, like cortisol and adrenaline, are released in response to a physical or emotional threat. They prepare your body for “fight-or-flight” by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration, as well as providing energy for the body to take action. These are necessary to help us survive, but prolonged stress can have detrimental effects on the body and mind.
Types of Stress Hormones and their Effects
Each hormone has a specific role to play in preparing the body for action. The primary hormones released during times of stress are:
- Cortisol: Cortisol is a hormone released by the adrenal gland which helps regulate metabolism, including energy production and storage; it also suppresses the immune system so that more energy is diverted to ''fight-or-flight'' activities at the expense of nonessential functions such as digestion or reproduction.
- Epinephrine: Epinephrine (adrenaline) increases heart rate, respiration rate, blood pressure, and glucose levels in the blood, providing the body with a burst of energy. Adrenaline increases heart rate and respiration, as well as constrict blood vessels, sending more sugar to the muscles to help them perform better under pressure while preparing for a “fight or flight” response.
- Norepinephrine: Norepinephrine is responsible for alertness and focus during times of stress by increasing electrical activity in the brain. It also helps prepare muscles for action.
Physical Effects of Stress Hormones on the Body
The physical effects of stress hormones vary depending on the individual and the amount of stress experienced. Prolonged exposure to these hormones can cause:
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Insomnia and fatigue
- Gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea or constipation
- Muscle tension, headaches, and back pain
- Weakened immune system, resulting in more colds or other illnesses
- Weight gain due to increased appetite associated with cortisol
Psychological Effects of Stress Hormones on the Brain
The psychological effects of stress hormones are less well-understood than their physical effects but can be just as detrimental. Long-term exposure to high levels of cortisol and adrenaline can lead to:
- Increased anxiety
- Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
- Irritability and mood swings
- Depression
- Memory problems
- Poor judgment
- Jitteriness or an inability to sit still over long periods of time.
Strategies for Managing Stress Hormones
It is important to recognize the signs of stress in order to manage it effectively. Here are some strategies to help you cope with stress hormones:
- Regular physical activity
- Meditation, Yoga, or Other Mindfulness Practices
- Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night
- Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
- Avoid processed foods and added sugars.
- Deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and visualization techniques
- Doing activities that bring joy
Use Natural Remedy to Combat Stress
Applying Mystiq Living Stress Relief Roll On to your temples and under the nose can help reduce stress levels. The blend of essential oils like lavender, bergamot, grapeseed, and Ylang Ylang helps instill feelings of calmness and peace. You simply need to roll it over your temples, forehead, and wrists while inhaling the aroma deeply. It gives relief from mental stress, overcomes anxiety, and promotes a positive mood. It directly relaxes the nervous system that regulates hormonal balance and the cellular renewal process.
Mystiq Living's Stress Relief Roll On helps in calming down your mind and restoring balance so that you can handle stressful situations more effectively and with ease. For best results, use it daily for 10-15 minutes as part of your regular self-care routine. So, forget stress with Stress Relief Roll On and get ready to live a stress-free and happy life!
