How to Manage Stress: Tips and Tricks for a More Balanced Life

Stress is a natural response of the body to challenges and unexpected events in life, which can be beneficial in small doses but harmful to physical and mental health when it becomes chronic. Stress can be caused by a variety of factors including work pressures, financial problems, social and family relationships, and health issues. To effectively manage stress, identifying the triggers (the source) of stress remains the essential step for implementing appropriate means to improve overall well-being and prevent health problems related to stress.

Causes of stress

Stress can be caused by a wide range of factors and what causes stress can vary from person to person. Common causes of stress include:

• Life events: Major life events such as divorce, loss of a loved one, a new job, or a serious illness can cause significant stress.
• Daily hassles: Daily hassles such as traffic, long lines, or conflicts with others can cause low-level chronic stress.
• Work-related stress: Job insecurity, long working hours, tight deadlines, and a heavy workload can all contribute to work-related stress.
• Financial stress: Financial concerns such as debt, bills, and financial instability can be a significant source of stress.
• Relationship problems: Issues in relationships with romantic partners, family members, or friends can cause stress.
• Health problems: Chronic illness, disability, or injury can cause ongoing stress.
• Trauma: Resulting from physical, emotional, or sexual abuse can cause long-term stress.
• Environmental stressors: Environmental stressors such as noise, pollution, and natural disasters can also cause stress.

How to prevent or manage stress

It's important to note that stress isn't only caused by negative events, positive events such as a wedding, a new job, or the arrival of a baby can also be sources of stress. This is called "eustress" and can be motivating and energizing.

Obviously, what causes stress can be different for each person, and it's important to identify the triggers of stress in order to manage it effectively. By understanding the contributing factors, individuals can develop coping strategies and make lifestyle changes to improve their overall well-being.

1. Identifying the source: The first step in stress management is identifying stress triggers, which allows you to take appropriate measures to let go and overcome bad stress!
2. Practicing relaxation techniques: Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, heart coherence, meditation, yoga, or progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce stress and promote a sense of calm.
3. Exercising regularly: Regular exercise can help reduce stress by releasing endorphins and improving mood. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.
4. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: Having a healthy and balanced diet to avoid nutrient deficiencies (magnesium, vitamin D, omega-3...), a source of endogenous stress, getting enough sleep, and avoiding alcohol, tobacco, and drugs.
5. Prioritizing self-care: Take time for activities you enjoy, such as reading, spending time with friends, or pursuing hobbies. Self-care is an important part of stress management. Seeking support: Talking to a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional can help you manage stress and develop coping strategies.
6. Practicing time management: Feeling overwhelmed by a long to-do list is not easy. Practice good time management by breaking tasks down into smaller manageable parts and prioritizing the most important tasks.
7. Setting boundaries: Saying no to additional responsibilities or commitments can greatly help and even prevent burnout. Taking breaks: Taking regular breaks during the day, even if it's just a few minutes to stretch or walk, can help reduce stress and increase productivity.
8. Getting enough sleep: It is common to experience sleep disturbances during stressful periods. Refer to our sleep advisor to learn more.

There are several natural supplements that can help limit undesirable stress reactions such as a feeling of a knot in the stomach, digestive disorders, nail-biting, anxiety... (ZEN , Relaxen Day >, Teen Mood . In cases of chronic stress, a course of adaptogenic herbs will help strengthen the functions of the autonomic nervous system and adrenal glands involved in stress management. ( Energex Récup >, Energex Endurance…)

Remember that stress is experienced differently from person to person, depending on their sensitivity, and that everyone's needs for stress management will be different. It may be necessary to try several different techniques and alternative therapies for stress management before finding the ones that work best for you. Try our new Stress Advisor it will help you better understand your stress issue and suggest the best solutions for you. 

How teenagers can manage their stress

Teenagers often face unique stress factors such as academic pressure, social and relationship issues, and hormonal changes. To help themselves, teenagers can:

1. Develop good time management skills to balance schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and social life.
2. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, or meditation to reduce stress and improve mood.
3. Engage in physical activities, such as sports or exercise, to release tension and improve overall health.
4. Maintain a healthy and balanced diet and get enough sleep to support their physical and mental health.
5. Seek support from family, friends, or a counselor to talk about their stress factors and develop coping strategies.
6. Prioritize self-care activities that bring joy and relaxation, such as reading or spending time in nature.
7. Learn to communicate better to resolve conflicts and reduce social stress factors.
8. Set realistic goals and expectations to reduce pressure and promote a sense of accomplishment.

TEEN MOOD CAN HELP!

Adrien Gagnon's latest innovation, Teen Mood , contains saffron, a spice traditionally used for centuries for its medicinal properties. Clinical studies suggests that saffron can help reduce stress and anxiety by promoting healthy brain function and reducing inflammation in the body. Made with patented and clinically proven saffron affron®, Teen Mood helps support mood balance for 12 years and older, and helps relieve restlessness and nervousness. It's the perfect ally for parents and their teens!

Although saffron may have some potential benefits for reducing stress and anxiety, it's important to note that it doesn't replace medical treatment or professional consultation. If you experience significant levels of stress or anxiety, it's important to talk to your healthcare professional to develop a comprehensive treatment plan. Additionally, it's important to use saffron or any other dietary supplement only under the direction of a healthcare professional, as some dietary supplements may interact with medications or have other undesirable effects.

It's important for teenagers to remember that stress management is a skill that is acquired through practice, and that asking for help when necessary is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Cheers!

Adrien Gagnon Team