Stress: how to identify and manage it to live better
Do you feel like you have a huge burden on your shoulders that you can't let go of for a moment? You're not alone.
Let me tell you the story of Daniela, a 45-year-old woman who has always led an active life, dedicated to her family and her work.
However, in recent years she has begun to feel that stress is slowly tearing her apart.
Between taking care of her children, caring for her elderly parents, fulfilling her work responsibilities and maintaining her relationship, Daniela feels that her life is a constant and exhausting race.
Stress: what is it, friend or foe?
That mix of nervousness and tension that worries and exhausts, can be due to acute or chronic stress.
In small doses, it can be beneficial. For example, it's what motivates Daniela (and you, too) to start the day, prepare a presentation or train.
Even in dangerous situations, stress acts as a superhero, thanks to the stress hormone cortisol, which sets off an alarm in the brain and activates the body to react quickly.
However, when stress is triggered by everyday situations such as traffic, bills or lack of sleep, it becomes a chronic problem.
This type of stress steals energy, affects health and diminishes the will to live, not only for Daniela, but for all women, especially after the age of 40.
Stress symptoms in women: warning signs
As Daniela approaches perimenopause and menopause, her body experiences hormonal changes that can intensify stress symptoms:
Physicists
- She wakes up tired and with body aches.
- His digestion is heavy and he suffers from constipation.
- You experience headaches and trouble sleeping.
Emotional
- You feel irritable and about to explode.
- He goes from apathy to sadness for no apparent reason.
Mental
- He has trouble concentrating and forgets things easily.
- Negative thoughts spin around in your head like a broken record.
Behavior
- He isolates himself, taking refuge in work or household chores.
- Avoid social gatherings and turn to unhealthy foods.
The skin is affected
- Acne, eczema and other skin problems appear.
Weakened immune system
- He gets sick frequently and his wounds take longer to heal.
Health conditions
- Increases the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and hypothyroidism.
Treatment for daily stress
Eliminating stress completely is impossible, but Daniela has found several effective actions to manage it… Do as she does!
- Movement: She started with 30-minute walks outdoors, dancing to her favorite music, and practicing yoga with online videos.
- Breathing and connection: She spends a few minutes a day breathing slowly and noticing how her abdomen moves. 5 minutes and that's it.
- Anti-stress diet: Daniela eats more nuts like almonds or walnuts; oranges, kiwi, peppers (vitamin C), and green leafy vegetables like spinach and arugula.
- Try to sleep for 7 hours straight: Daniela has a sleep routine and follows it every day, she stays away from screens 2 hours before bed, and listens to soft music.
- Surround yourself with positive people: spend time with your loved ones, laugh more, talk to people who support you to face challenges with more fortitude.
- Supplements: Daniela also found relief for anxiety, fatigue, and insomnia with a supplement called Serena, which has received excellent reviews and has been a great support in her stress management process.
Managing stress is a journey, not a race.
Daniela has learned to incorporate small changes into her daily routine and celebrates every step she takes toward a fuller, healthier life.
Achieving this is in their hands, and in yours too.
Reference:
Comments