Spot the Signs of Stress and Learn Natural Ways to Manage it.

Men and women share many origins of stress, such as issues in job safety, working from home, health, relationship or family, with finances being the most common stressor. This leads to dealing with high levels of stress and the constant release of adrenaline and cortisol (the stress hormone) severely impacting peoples’ well-being.

Stress levels in South Africa have hit concerning highs, with many struggling to cope with life’s demands. Women and the youth are the hardest hit, with women especially anxious about financial pressures like debt, school fees, inflation, and the cost of living. The stress is even greater for working parents balancing careers and caregiving, with additional worries about interest rates and unexpected expenses.

“The first step in managing stress is recognising it exists.”, says pharmacist and complementary medicines expert, Giulia Criscuolo.

What is stress: How to Spot the Signs

Stress is a natural response to challenges, helping us react to emergencies, cope with events and adapt to new situations. But when it becomes chronic, it can take a toll on the individual in numerous way

• Emotionally: Overworking, irritability, anxiety, panic attacks, and low self-esteem.
• Mentally: Constantly worrying, trouble concentrating, difficulty expressing yourself, and struggling to make decisions.
• Physically: Headaches, muscle pain, tremors, sweating, facial redness, dizziness, sleep disorders, intense fatigue, and even eating disorders.

Understanding these symptoms is key to managing stress effectively.

Why Managing Stress Matters: Your Body’s 3-Phase Reaction Explained

Alarm
The body reacts instantly to stress by releasing hormones like noradrenaline, serotonin and dopamine, increasing heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and alertness to prepare for action.

Resistance
If stress continues, the body becomes resistant and produces cortisol to raise blood sugar level, fueling muscles, heart, and brain for sustained response.

Exhaustion
Prolonged stress leads to hormone overload, exhausting the body and endangering health. Try to avoid reaching this stage.

Manage Stress Naturally: Simple Habit Changes to Relax Your Mind and Body

A few ways to manage stress is practising therapeutic self-care strategies, trying breathing exercises, meditation, creative activity and working on improving internal behavior patterns. Prioritise restorative sleep, adopt healthy eating habits, and regular exercise. Limit your exposure to known stressors or triggers for a more balanced life.

Criscuolo adds, “I recommend supportive homeopathic medicines such as Sédatif PC®, formulated to combat the consequences of anxiety and emotional conditions to help restore your calm during the day for better sleep at night. Because it’s homeopathic, anyone – including adults, children, and the elderly – can use it.”

Manufactured by Boiron, world leader in homeopathic medicines, Sédatif PC® is non-habit forming, does not cause drowsiness, has no contra-indications with other medicines and may be used by individuals on chronic medication.

Learn more about the benefits of Sédatif PC®