Stress, whether acute or chronic, is a real challenge in our modern society. From nervous tension to anxiety, its effects on our body can be devastating. Fortunately, solutions exist to combat this evil. Have you ever thought about cosmetics? They can prove to be surprising allies in your fight against stress. Get ready to discover how they can help you manage your symptoms and regain your serenity.
Understanding Stress: Definition and Causes
Stress is a natural and instinctive response of the body to a change or constraint in the environment. It allows the individual to react quickly and effectively to potentially dangerous situations. However, when this response becomes chronic, it can have harmful consequences on health.
The causes of stress can be multiple and vary from one individual to another. They can be linked to external factors such as professional overwork, natural disasters or family tensions. Internal factors, such as low self-esteem or anxiety disorders, can also be the cause of stress.
Finally, our perception of stressful situations plays a central role. The same situation can thus be experienced as stressful by one individual and not stressful by another.
Symptoms of stress: recognizing the signs
Physical symptoms of stress
Stress can manifest itself in different ways for different people, and these manifestations are often physical. Some common symptoms include headaches , fatigue , and sleep disturbances . Stress can also cause muscle pain , due to the tension that builds up in the body.
Other symptoms may be less obvious, such as skin problems (eczema, hives), digestive problems or heart palpitations. In some cases, stress can even cause tremors , cold sweats or a rapid heart rate .
It is not uncommon for these physical symptoms to be accompanied by psychological symptoms, such as irritability , depression , or decreased concentration .
Emotional symptoms of stress
The emotional symptoms of stress are many and can vary from person to person. These signs of emotional stress can manifest as feelings of frustration , worry , or sadness .
Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Irritability and restlessness , which may manifest as mood swings or a constant feeling of tension.
- Anxiety , which can make it difficult to concentrate and lead to feelings of insecurity.
- Low self-esteem , which can lead to feelings of doubt and uncertainty.
- A decrease in libido , often linked to constant worry and feelings of emotional fatigue.
- A feeling of melancholy , often accompanied by a sense of indecision.
It is essential to be aware of these emotional symptoms, as they can have a significant impact on our overall well-being and quality of life.
Behavioral symptoms of stress
Stress can also manifest itself through various behaviors. For example, stressed individuals may tend to isolate themselves, avoiding situations that are considered too demanding. This behavior can result in a decrease in social activity, absenteeism from work or an avoidance of responsibilities.
Other behavioral symptoms of stress may include:
- Changes in appetite, with a tendency to eat less or turn to comfort foods.
- A perception of reality that is often negative, with a tendency to see things in an unfavorable light.
- Engaging in compulsive behaviors, such as snacking, smoking, or excessive alcohol consumption.
These behaviors are often attempts to adapt to the stress felt. However, they can contribute to making the situation worse if the stress becomes chronic.
Stress at work: a problem that should not be neglected
Workplace stress is a reality for many employees, whether they work in a large company, an SME or as a freelancer. This form of stress, often caused by work overload, strained relationships with colleagues or pressure from management, can have disastrous consequences on physical and mental health.
- Symptoms of work stress can manifest themselves in different ways: sleep problems, high blood pressure, muscle pain, loss of concentration or even a feeling of anxiety.
- If these symptoms are not addressed and stress persists, it can lead to more serious disorders such as burnout, depression or cardiovascular diseases.
To mitigate these risks, many companies are implementing preventive measures, such as adapting the workload, improving the organization or providing tools to manage stress. These measures are essential, but it is also important that each employee learns to manage their own stress at work, for example by adopting relaxation techniques or using natural solutions such as cosmetics.
Different types of stress: acute, chronic and post-traumatic
Acute stress: definition and health effects
Acute stress is characterized by an instantaneous response of the body to a particular situation. It manifests itself punctually and generally lasts less than an hour. This form of stress is often triggered by unforeseen events or pressure situations.
Physiological reactions to this type of stress can include increased heart rate, increased breathing, sweating, or an adrenaline rush. These symptoms usually disappear once the stressful situation is over.
Despite its short duration, acute stress can have health consequences. According to some [studies], repeated episodes of acute stress can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and weaken the immune system. It can also cause digestive disorders and skin problems.
This is why it is essential to learn how to manage this type of stress, particularly through relaxation techniques, good nutrition or physical activity.
Chronic stress: definition and long-term consequences
Chronic stress is defined as the body's response to persistent stress, beyond what is normal, that can last for weeks or even months. Unlike acute stress, which is occasional and generally beneficial, chronic stress is harmful to health. It is often caused by ongoing problems such as work, relationship or financial difficulties.
Physiologically, in cases of chronic stress, the body continually secretes [stress hormones], particularly cortisol . This can lead to dysfunctions of the immune system and promote the onset of anxiety disorders and depression.
The consequences of chronic stress are multiple and can affect both physical and mental health. In the long term, it can contribute to the development of various health problems such as sleep disorders, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, etc.
It is therefore essential to identify the signs of chronic stress and to put in place appropriate strategies to manage it, in order to prevent these harmful consequences.
Post-traumatic stress: understanding this psychiatric disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a psychiatric disorder that develops following a traumatic event. It is a normal and healthy reaction to an abnormal and unhealthy situation. The body's defense system is triggered, but instead of returning to normal after the event, it remains activated. This disorder can affect anyone who has experienced a shocking, dangerous or frightening situation. It is characterized by reactions such as:
- flashbacks of the traumatic event,
- a tendency to avoid situations reminiscent of the event,
- sleep disorders,
- constant hyper-vigilance.
It is essential to understand that post-traumatic stress is a normal reaction to an abnormal situation, not a sign of weakness.
The stress hormone: the role of cortisol
Cortisol , often called the stress hormone, is a chemical produced by our bodies, primarily by the adrenal glands . This steroid hormone plays a crucial role in how our bodies respond to stressful situations and has several essential functions.
One of the main ones is to provide our body with the energy needed to cope with a stressor . To do this, cortisol stimulates the conversion of glucose reserves into quickly available energy. It also regulates metabolism and blood sugar levels.
However, when produced in excess in response to a state of prolonged stress , cortisol can have harmful effects on health, such as hormonal imbalance, the risk of cardiovascular accidents or even alteration of the immune system.
Stress Management: Techniques and Tips to Combat Anxiety
Relaxation techniques to overcome stress
To overcome stress, several relaxation techniques can be adopted. Deep breathing is one of the simplest to implement. It consists of inhaling slowly through the nose, holding your breath for a few moments, then exhaling gently through the mouth.
Meditation is another effective practice that allows you to focus on the present moment and helps calm your mind. Opt for outdoor meditation!
Yoga , which combines physical postures, breathing exercises and meditation, is also well-known for its relaxing properties.
Additionally, Tai Chi and sophrology , which combine slow movements and breathing, can help reduce stress.
Finally, cardiac coherence , which is a method of rhythmic breathing, can help you find a state of calm and relaxation.
- Deep breathing
- Meditation
- Yoga
- Tai Chi
- Sophrology
- Cardiac coherence
These techniques can be practiced regularly, preferably in a quiet environment, to help manage daily stress.
Anti-stress nutrition: which foods should you favor?
To combat stress through diet, several foods are to be favored. Omega-3s , present in oily fish such as salmon or sardines, are known for their ability to increase the level of serotonin, a hormone that contributes to well-being and relaxation. Foods rich in magnesium , such as green vegetables, whole grains or dark chocolate, help regulate the nervous system and reduce fatigue. Foods rich in vitamin B (bananas, avocados, lentils) also help regulate mood and strengthen the immune system. Probiotics , present in yogurts and fermented foods, are beneficial for intestinal health and can also help reduce stress. At Demain®, we have thought of everything! Find in our food supplements, 10 billion probiotics per capsule! Finally, foods rich in tryptophan (eggs, dates, pumpkin seeds) promote the production of serotonin. It is recommended to avoid foods that are too fatty or too sweet, which can increase stress levels. Orange blossom can also be a real ally.
Physical activity: a natural remedy against stress
Physical activity is a very effective natural remedy against stress. Indeed, when we do sports, our body produces endorphins , also called happiness hormones. These neurotransmitters naturally soothe the nervous system, thus helping to reduce stress and anxiety. In addition, physical activity allows us to focus on our body and our breathing, thus diverting our attention from stressful thoughts.
You don't need to do intense exercise to benefit from these effects. Gentle activities like yoga, walking, or tai chi can be just as beneficial. However, it's recommended to do physical activity on a regular basis to get lasting benefits.
However, it is important to choose a physical activity that you enjoy, because pleasure and motivation are key factors in regularly practicing physical activity.
Medical treatments for stress: when to consult?
When faced with persistent, intense stress that is difficult to manage alone, a medical consultation may be necessary. A health professional will be able to assess your situation, determine the degree of your stress and possibly prescribe appropriate drug treatment.
There are various medications that can be prescribed to help with stress and anxiety:
- Anxiolytics , which aim to quickly reduce anxiety and the physical symptoms of stress.
- Certain antidepressants , used in the basic treatment of anxiety disorders.
- Other specific medications , such as pregabalin, may also be considered.
Seek medical advice before taking any supplements. The choice of medication will depend on several factors, such as the nature and severity of your stress, your general health and your medical history. Regular medical monitoring is essential to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment and adjust the dosage if necessary.
Let us remember that medication should not be the only response to stress. It must be integrated into a comprehensive approach, including psychotherapy and relaxation techniques.
The Link Between Stress and Diarrhea: Understanding Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Diarrhea can be a symptom of intense stress. When we are stressed, our bodies release hormones that can affect the function of the gastrointestinal system, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea. The adrenocortical axis, a key link between the nervous system and endocrine glands, is activated during times of stress. This can disrupt the normal functioning of the digestive system, which can lead to conditions such as diarrhea. It is important to understand that the link between stress and diarrhea is not one-way , meaning that stress can cause diarrhea, but diarrhea can also increase stress levels. This is especially true if diarrhea is persistent and significantly disrupts daily life.
Fighting stress with Euphytose: instructions for use and duration of treatment
Euphytose is a herbal dietary supplement that can be used to relieve minor symptoms associated with stress. To combat stress , the recommended dosage for adolescents from 12 years of age is one tablet three times a day and one to two tablets three times a day for adults.
Euphytose can also help combat sleep disorders. In this case, the dosage varies depending on the age and severity of the disorders.
It is recommended to take Euphytose for several weeks for optimal effectiveness. However, the duration of treatment may vary depending on the individual and the evolution of their symptoms.
