Tag Archives: Daily Stress Formula by Pure Encapsulations

Worrying Won’t Solve Anything

WorryStressJacquie Eubanks RN BSN

Most of us worry sometimes, many of us often worry, and some of us worry constantly. We worry about all kinds of things, our finances, our relationships, our responsibilities, our health, climate change, and politics. We worry about things we can control, as well as things we can’t. No matter what we worry about or how often we worry, the impact of constant worrying on our health is actually what is worrisome. There’s some truth to the expression “worried sick,” as worrying is stressful, and stress can undermine physical and mental health. Excessive worry can lead to anxiety and that, in turn, can erode the ability to function well in daily life. While some anxiety is normal when we face temporary stressful situations, prolonged worry and anxiety can have wide ranging effects on bodily systems and organs, as well as emotions, mood and behavior.

When the automatic stress response activates, the body is flooded with hormones that ramp up the systems necessary for survival. This elevates heart and blood pressure to circulate more energy throughout the body to prepare one to deal with an imminent challenge. At the same time, systems not necessary for immediate survival tamp down, hindering digestion, the immune response and the reproductive system. Worry and anxiety on a continual basis contribute to chronically elevated cortisol, which can profoundly impair health. Even short lived minor stress can have a harmful effect.

Numerous physical and emotional disorders are linked to stress. In addition to hypertension, increased susceptibility to infections, and a higher risk of depression, diabetes, heart attacks and stroke, the negative effects of stress can contribute to autoimmune diseases, irritable bowel, dermatitis, and degenerative neurological disorders. In short, the side effects of stress and its detriment to long-term physical health and emotional wellness are likely much worse than what you are worrying about. The ability to handle and manage stress can make all the difference in maintaining homeostasis and reducing the risk of stress-related illness.

While chronic stress can be highly unpleasant and even emotionally debilitating, we have evolved and adapted to deal with a certain amount of short-term stress. Stress responses are meant to be protective, not harmful. It’s only when stress becomes chronic that it negatively effects our wellbeing. Short-term stress can be a positive advantage, enhancing performance, giving one a competitive edge and building the enthusiasm to rise to a challenge. Stress is negative when its exceeds our ability to cope and overwhelms normal bodily functions. Contrarily, stress is positive when we can perceive a stressful situation as an opportunity that will lead to a good outcome.

As some stress is unavoidable, using stress to one’s advantage by managing reactions to situations that trigger it, can enhance overall wellbeing and result in feelings of satisfaction and accomplishment. Per the World Journal of Medical Sciences, there are important factors that help individuals view and respond positively to a stressful situation. This includes the belief in one’s ability to manage the stressor or task, the perception that one has power and control over the situation, and a mindset of hope, great expectations and a positive outlook on life. When used correctly, stress, or eustress, can have a positive impact on performance and productivity, and leave one feeling optimistic and energized as the body returns to a normal state of balance.

The understanding that worry is an indicator of the importance of a situation rather than a reason to panic can result in a more rational reaction to stress. Worrying limits the ability to think clearly, hindering one’s ability to focus on positive solutions. Viewing stress as a challenge rather than a threat allows one to bring forth more possibilities. Concentrating on the things one can control allows for concrete action that can begin to broaden one’s thought processes to overcome difficulties. Rather than worrying, focus on what matters most, and very importantly, respond accordingly.

Professional Supplement Center carries many fine quality products formulated to support a healthy stress response:

L-TheanineL-Theanine by Enzymatic Therapy™: This product supplies a clinical dose of Suntheanine®, a trusted and well regarded powerful amino acid that helps manage stress and promotes daily relaxation without diminishing alertness. Gluten, soy, dairy, yeast, preservative and artificial ingredient free, vegetarian formulation.

 

PheniTropic™PheniTropic™ by Biotics® Research: This product supplies GABA, a naturally occurring inhibitory neurotransmitter that supports the natural relief of stress and anxiety, and may also aid restful sleep. Gluten free.

 

Stress ArrestStressArrest™ by Designs for Health: This synergistic formula delivers comprehensive support for relief of stress and anxiety with ingredients that include GABA, glycine, niacinamide, pantothenic acid, and vitamin B6. Non-GMO formulation.

 

Daily Stress FormulaDaily Stress Formula by Pure Encapsulations®: This hypo-allergenic all-encompassing formula provides a blend of botanicals and nutrients designed to provide synergistic support for mental relaxation while counteracting the metabolic effects of occasional stress. Gluten and soy free, Non-GMO vegetarian formulation.

 

B-Complex Stress...B-Complex Stress Formula by Pioneer®: This comprehensive clinician-formulated product provides balanced support for stress relief with vitamins, minerals, herbs, and coenzymes delivered in appropriate ratios. Gluten free, vegetarian formulation.

References:
Stress Effects. https://www.stress.org/stress-effects/
Time to Worry About Worrying Too Much. https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/how-risky-is-it-really/201112/time-worry-about-worrying-too-much
9 Stress Side Effects That Are Worse Than What You’re Worrying About. https://www.prevention.com/mind-body/side-effects-anxiety-and-stress-management-tips
How stress affects your health. http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/stress.aspx
Life Event, Stress and Illness. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3341916/
What is Positive Stress? http://stress.lovetoknow.com/about-stress/what-is-positive-stress
The Eustress Concept: Problems and Outlooks. http://www.idosi.org/wjms/11(2)14/6.pdf
Turning Stress into an Asset. https://hbr.org/2011/06/turning-stress-into-an-asset

 

Holiday Stress? There’s a Supplement for That

holiday_stressJacquieIconBy Jacquie Eubanks
BSN, RN
 

While the holidays are expected to be joyous occasions for everyone, surviving the fantastical holiday expectations is no easy feat. Obligations, seemingly endless tasks, lack of time or budget constraints can all contribute to anxiety or depression. Throw in family conflicts, loneliness and meaningless gifting and you have a recipe for a pressure driven season.   Along with the added stressors comes overindulgence, which may contribute to feeling bad about excessive eating, drinking or spending. Perhaps it’s time to give yourself a present. Give yourself a gift of sanity by getting back to the basics to simplify the very overblown holiday expectations.

Unattainable expectations can lead to stress, disappointment or even depression. Many of us spend hours at the mall or online looking for the perfect gift for everyone on our sometimes overwhelming list. Extravagant gifts that put you in debt come the new year are often appreciated more by the giver than the receiver. Often times a simple gift of time or attention will suffice. Show someone how much you love them by spending time together doing something special, a gift of homemade presents or treats, or perhaps provide a simple meal for someone who may be confined to their home. Focusing on someone else’s real needs can help you feel grateful for the blessings you have. When you stop to think about it, you likely have a lot to be thankful about.

One simple and free holiday gift is starting a family tradition to help others less fortunate. Perhaps each family member would agree to a few less presents for themselves in order to help a needy family put food on the table or buy small presents for their children. If a friend or neighbor is alone during the holidays, invite them to share in your celebrations. Social support not only helps to ward off holiday blues, it can help to lift everyone’s spirits. Giving love and showing kindness to others are powerful tools for changing the game plan and getting back to the spirit of the season.

If you know there will be conflicts at a family gathering, be prepared to neutralize the situation by simply finding a reason to walk away, such as a need to check on the children or help out in the kitchen. Or take the advice of Don Draper, star of Mad Man, “If you don’t like what someone is saying, change the conversation.” Set aside grievances for discussion at a more appropriate or private time when life is less stressful. And, if you really can’t deal with the obligatory family visit, skip the trip entirely and leave your guilt on the doorstep. It really is okay and no justification is required if you simply want to enjoy a pleasant time at home.

One way to ward off holiday depression is to make a plan that includes not only shopping and decorating but restorative routines as well. Don’t abandon all your healthy habits or let the holidays become a free-for-all. Failure to get some exercise or skimping on sleep can make you feel guilty and stressed. To restore your inner calm, take a breather when you need it. Stress takes its toll on your mental and physical health, so be mindful and listen to your body. If you are feeling persistently tired, anxious or irritable, it’s time to take a time out and clear your mind. Sometimes all it takes is 15 minutes of alone time, a short walk or a restful break to restore your energy and enable you to cope with all that’s going on around you. Set priorities, let the rest go and enjoy the sights and sounds of the season with your family and friends.  

Supplements to aid in stress or anxiety relief include:

Daily Stress Formula
 
Daily Stress Formula by Pure Encapsulations – This blend of herbs and nutrients is designed to provide powerful defense from the mental and physical factors associated with occasional stress.
 
 
 
GABA 750 mg
 
GABA 750 mg by Physiologics – This amino acid, produced naturally in the central nervous system, has an inhibitory effect that calms overexcited nerve impulses, aids in relaxation and promotes restful sleep.
 
 
Stress B-Complex (B107) (Formerly B-Complex #5)
 
Stress B-Complex (B107) by Thorne Research – This supplement contains active forms of 8 water soluble B vitamins that are essential for cellular energy production and healthy adrenal, neurological immune function.
 
 
 
References:
 
Making Happy Changes in Your Holidays. http://psychcentral.com/lib/making-happy-changes-in-your-holidays/00018449
 
Not So Merry?  http://www.mhawisconsin.org/holidaystress.aspx
Stress, depression and the holidays: Tips for coping. http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20047544
 
Holiday Stress: A Resourceful Survivor’s Guide. Online. http://psychcentral.com/lib/holiday-stress-a-resourceful-survivors-guide/00039?all=1