Got stress? Sure, everyone does. The body’s responses to stressful events help us deal with life’s daily challenges, and are generally a good thing. However, chronic stress can have negative effects. If you are living with impaired liver function or have chronic liver disease, overwhelming stress can be even more harmful to your health.
How Much Stress is Too Much?
An article from Liversupport.com does a good job of outlining the 5 main signs that suggest your stress level is at the point of endangering your liver health. According to WebMD, you have too much stress in your life if you regularly experience the following physical, behavioral, cognitive and emotional symptoms:
- Cold or sweaty hands and feet
- Irritability and constant worrying
- Depression or a persistently pessimistic attitude
- Forgetfulness and lack of mental focus
- Procrastinating
- Increased use of alcohol, cigarettes or drugs
- Difficulty sleeping
- Digestive problems
- Frequent colds
- Low sex drive
Long-term stress can lead to bigger problems, such as GERD, high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease, hair loss and skin problems, depression and other mental health problems, and many more conditions you’d do better to avoid. If you have any combination of these symptoms, it’s time to do something about your stress level — and natural remedies can do a lot to help.
Simple Stress Relief
Constant worry and stress can make you feel like you’re living in your head, but the rest of your body can suffer the effects of that stress. Fortunately, the rest of the body can also help you relieve your stress! Try some of these easy stress-relievers:
- Meditate, or just breathe deeply and be present in the moment, a little each day.
- Do some yoga.
- Take a walk — either brisk and invigorating or slow and meditative.
- Take a nap — naps can lower your cortisol levels and thus relieve some of your stress.
- Listen to music — whether you’re in the mood for classical or New Wave, music that you enjoy can help you feel less stressed.
- Pet your dog or cat.
- Hug a loved one.
- Keep a gratitude journal to show yourself that more things are going right than going wrong!
Besides these quick lifestyle hacks, certain herbs and supplements can help you feel less stressed. For example:
- The Omega-3 fatty acids that are so good for heart health can also help relieve anxiety.
- Magnesium taken before bedtime can help you sleep better.
- Chamomile deserves its reputation for helping people relax.
- L-theanine (found in quality green and black teas) can increase your brain’s alpha-wave activity, which leads to greater feelings of calmness and relaxation.
Melatonin is a natural sleep aid that is non-habit-forming and helps you establish regular sleep patterns. You might also want to try Stress Relief, a blend of valerian, hops and other stress calming herbs that provides energy and supports the immune function to counteract the negative effects of stress.
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