Holistic Ways To Increase Stress Resilience
Stress is a natural bodily response that has been embedded in us as a protection mechanism from the early days of our evolution - simply in order to keep us safe and alive. However, nowadays, the challenge that many of us experience, is the fact that our modern, high-paced world almost constantly triggers our in-built stress response, setting in motion a chain of physiological and psychological reactions that over time can cause physical and mental imbalances.
So the question we have to ask ourselves in a world of constant stimuli is this: how can we increase our body and mind’s stress resilience in order to truly thrive - even under pressure?
Let’s answer this question together.
Elevate Your Stress Resilience From Within
Stress is not only a mental state of overwhelm, but also a very physical reaction that impacts a wide range of bodily systems and organs, including our nervous system, immune system, digestive system, our brain, our hormones and our heart. Stress, especially over long periods of time, sends the whole body into overdrive, stripping it off vital nutrients.
Which is why it is important to support our body with proper, healthy nutrition, as well as optional supplementation, focusing on essential macro- and micro nutrients that fuel our body (and mind) from within. These are some of the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other nutrients necessary for our body under pressure:
Vitamin C: this powerful, natural antioxidant supports our body’s immune system, fuels our brain, as well as engages in regulation of stress hormones and processes
Vitamins B: this group of vitamins support our nervous system, as well as aid in strong immunity and proper digestion which can be negatively affected during long periods of ongoing stress
Magnesium: this essential mineral engages in more than 300 processes in our body and mind, especially and highly relevant in support of our nervous system
Omega-3: these fatty acids are essential for proper mental and physical health, especially in regards to our brain health
Probiotics: these natural bacteria, residing in our gut, not only ensure proper digestion, but also help balance our stress hormones
To ensure a natural intake of the above mentioned nutrients, make sure to consume a balanced diet, rich in whole, fresh, healthy and nutritious foods, containing a variety of good quality proteins, healthy fats, good carbs, and natural vitamins and minerals: veggies, fruits, grains, oils, nuts and seeds, legumes, fermented foods and animal products of choice. If needed, consult with your health care practitioner before beginning a course of supplementation.
Prevent And Manage Stress Mindfully
Aside from aiding our body’s stress resilience through healthy nutrition and supporting it with additional essential nutrients, we can practice mindful stress management through holistic lifestyle initiatives. These are some simple, natural, yet effective practices and habits that help prevent or proactively cope with stress:
Setting boundaries - personally and professionally
Prioritizing good quality sleep
Taking mindful, deep breaths throughout the day
Prioritizing small breaks and intentional rest
Moving the body in a gentle way - for example by walking
Engaging in mindfulness practices, such as meditation
Avoiding excessive screen time
Nurturing our nervous system and strengthening our body and mind through simple habits and rituals naturally and sustainably elevate our stress resilience and gives us practical tools to mindfully manage everyday stress.
The Bottom Line
Stress is both a mental and physical state of alarm that in itself is our body and mind’s way of communicating and alerting us of potential danger. However, if activated constantly, especially in the fast-moving world we live in nowadays, stress can lead to physiological and psychological imbalances and health issues. Which is why it is important to nourish and strengthen the body and mind from within, as well as have a toolbox of practices and habits that all together will help not only elevate our stress resilience, but also better cope with and overcome the times in our lives, where the pressure is high.