Finding Ways to Calm Our Daily Stress

Try as we might, we don’t always have control over what happens in our lives. What we do have control over is how we react, in both thought and action. So when we’re faced with stress-inducing situations, how can we handle ourselves and find our true sense of calm? 

Our body’s response to stress

When we’re experiencing stress, our body releases hormones that make our brain feel alert, muscles tense, and pulse increase. In the short term, these reactions are normal and help us manage the situation at hand—think of them as your body’s way of protecting itself. But when we experience chronic stress, our body remains alert and on edge, even if there’s no present danger. As time passes, we run the risk of developing health problems including anxiety and depression.

Daily life presents plenty of triggers for stress. It could be job pressure, relationship problems, or financial concerns for some. Even everyday occurrences like a long line at the store or running late for a meeting can trigger a stress response in our body. There are also more broad sources of stress, like the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Understanding the role of cortisol 

When we experience stress, our bodies produce cortisol, a steroid hormone. The production of cortisol is regulated by our pituitary gland, known as the “master gland” because of its wide range of effects on our body. When we wake up, exercise, or experience a stressful event, our pituitary gland reacts and sends a signal to produce the necessary amount of cortisol. This hormone has multiple functions including regulating our metabolism, inflammatory response, immune function, and meditating our stress response.

Cortisol levels within our bodies ebb and flow, increasing when we experience heightened anxiety or stress and lowering when we’re feeling relaxed. Too much cortisol can lead to weight gain, acne, and irregular menstrual cycles; while not enough cortisol can cause us to feel tired, nauseous, muscle weakness, and abdominal pain.

How can we manage our stress effectively? 

Luckily, there are ways we can combat stress in our lives and better manage our stress response for the greater good of our mental (and physical) well-being.

No. 8’s Calm gummies are formulated with Sensoril®, a whole-plant ashwagandha supplement proven to be effective in managing stress. As Neurosurgeon Dr. Bowen Jiang, MD explains, “Ashwagandha is a clever adaptogen and key component of ancient holistic medicine that naturally helps your body cope with stress. Several bioactive including Withanolide and Glycosides, are responsible for the medicinal properties.”

Other tips include: