What Causes Stress to Build Up and How to Turn It Off with Uncommon Techniques

Stress is like that pile of laundry you never finish folding. Every worry, every nervous moment, is like a new item of clothing added to the pile.

All those times you've felt overwhelmed: rushing to get to a meeting on time, juggling work and household chores. And then the physical and mental symptoms add up, making it difficult for you to live well.

Learn what causes stress to build up and uncommon strategies to regain control and calm.

Why doesn't stress go away?

• HPA axis out of control : The HPA (hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal) axis is like an alarm clock. Chronic stress keeps it ringing non-stop, constantly releasing cortisol. It's as if the alarm has gotten stuck, keeping you in permanent tension, even when there's no danger. It doesn't matter if it's Sunday or nighttime, it's always active.
• Lack of nutrients : Just like a car needs gasoline to run, your body needs magnesium, zinc, and B vitamins to handle stress. If you lack these nutrients, your body won't have the energy to cope with difficult situations.
• Unbalanced hormones : When your thyroid is working too slowly or too quickly, if you are going through hormonal changes and have symptoms of perimenopause due to stress , or your blood sugar levels are out of control, you may feel tired and listless, which makes you more vulnerable to stress.
• Disrupted sleep : Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for your body to recover from stress. Insomnia or sleep apnea impedes this process, keeping cortisol high and fueling the stress cycle.
• Persistent inflammation : Some diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, keep your body in a constant state of alert, similar to stress.
• Unbalanced gut : An imbalance in gut flora (the good bacteria in your gut) can affect the production of serotonin, a substance that helps regulate mood and stress response.
• Health issues : Dealing with heart disease, cancer or other serious illnesses adds an emotional and physical burden that keeps stress levels high.
• Anxiety, depression and trauma : These disorders keep the stress response system always active, making it difficult to relax and recover.
• Autoimmune diseases: When your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body, diseases such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis arise. They increase stress, due to pain, fatigue, and general discomfort, coupled with the emotional stress of not knowing when flare-ups will occur.

How to get rid of constant stress with unconventional strategies

• Dunk your face in ice : Sounds crazy, right? But dunking your face in ice water for a few seconds activates the vagus nerve, which is like hitting the reset button on your nervous system. It's great when you feel like you're about to explode from stress.
• Epsom Salt Baths – Imagine soaking in a tub that not only cleanses your body, but also drains the stress from your mind. Epsom salt baths can be your go-to self-care ritual, perfect for those days when you feel like you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders.
• Laughter Therapy : When was the last time you laughed until your stomach hurt? Laughter is like a mini-massage for your mood. Organize a comedy night with your friends or just spend time with that person who always manages to make you laugh.

Combine these lightning strategies with deep breathing, yoga, nature walks, dancing, or simply playing with your children. This way, you can gradually reduce the stress that disrupts your quality of life.

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