26 Mar 2 min

Why Is It Important To Manage Stress Levels?

Relieving stress is critically important because chronic stress not only impacts our day-to-day functioning but can also lead to a host of physical and mental health difficulties over time.

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What is stress?

Stress is the set of changes that happen to you when you’re placed into a situation you’re not adapted to. It’s outside of your expectations and your normal life, whether that’s a stressful set of demands or a new type of exercise or activity.¹

Why is it so important to fight stress?

Your body isn’t designed to run in a ‘survival mode’ all the time, and this is why chronic stress can seriously harm your health – not to mention how it makes you feel.

Chronic high stress without proper recovery is maladaptive, damaging the body and brain, leading to issues like obesity, diabetes, atherosclerosis, mental health problems, autoimmune diseases, and potentially even creating conditions for the growth of cancer cells. Persistent stress can also trigger inflammation, increased risk of chronic diseases like heart disorders and stomach problems, and it can also slow down wound healing.^{2, 3}

How to reduce stress?

Improving your diet is one of the key factors in controlling stress levels. Proper nutrient intake (protein, vitamins, and minerals) protect the body and mind from stress. Other strategies include practicing meditation or deep breathing, practicing controlled heat and cold exposure, maintaining a healthy sleep routine, and engaging in regular physical activity.^{2, 4, 5}

This sounds like a lot, but it usually comes down to doing things you’re already doing in a way that helps your body. You can make some simple tweaks to daily life that protect your body from stress and give your body and mind a better chance of recovery and resilience.