Keep Stress at Bay*

Keep Stress at Bay*


Stress. Everyone has it. How you manage it can make a difference in your health. Research studies have shown that chronic high stress can detrimentally affect our health. What can you do to manage stress and what supplements can help you cope? We have some helpful tips on how to keep stress manageable.

Stress Can Affect Your Health

elderly couple exercising for stress relief

When we experience stress, what we are really experiencing is something from an external source producing an unwanted biological response in our bodies. Stress in small amounts can be beneficial. It can give us the adrenaline we need to get a project done by a deadline, or move us to take quick action when in danger.

However, chronically high levels of stress can have damaging effects on our system. Chronic stress can reduce brain mass and structurally change parts of the brain. This can have a devastating effect on long term memory, learning ability and mood. Stress can increase blood pressure and contribute to a host of cardiovascular issues. Managing stress isn’t optional if you want to maintain your health. Finding ways to cope with everyday stressors can benefit health in the long run.

Stress Relief Tips

Female smiling, stress-free with palm leaf background
  • Be realistic about your time. It’s impossible to say yes to every party, event, project or other demand. Setting aside time for yourself can give you a moment to reset and reinvigorate yourself.
  • Use devices wisely. Technology can be an asset or a liability depending on how you utilize it. “Doom-scrolling,” or reading endless amounts of depressing news and using social media excessively can lead to a more agitated state of mind and overall negative mood according to researchers. Turning off your phone or other device before bed allows your mind to calm down and shift to a relaxed state for bedtime.

  • Move your body. Exercise doesn’t have to occur in a formal environment. You can add a little more activity to your day with a walk during your lunch break, dancing, gardening…anything that breaks a sweat. As little as 15 minutes of exercise can improve mood.*

Supplements for Stress Support

At Nature’s Lab our Stress Collection includes supplements that have been found to promote a better mood.* Our favorites in this category include L-Theanine, Ashwagandha and Magnesium. 

L-Theanine Benefits for Stress

l-theanine supplement on gray background with tea leaves and cup of tea

L-theanine is a non-essential amino acid that can be found in tea leaves and certain species of mushrooms. Tea naturally contains caffeine, yet it is soothing due to its high l-theanine content. L-theanine directly affects the brain by increasing alpha-brain waves.* We experience alpha-brain waves when we meditate and during REM sleep cycles. If you feel wired and have trouble concentrating when under stress, l-theanine not only promotes calm but supports better focus with “wakeful relaxation.”* Our L-Theanine formula provides 200 mg of this stress-relieving amino acid in one capsule.* We also use l-theanine in our Sleep Support, Gentle Sleep Aid and Magnesium Soothe supplements.

Ashwagandha Benefits for Stress

ashwagandha root in powder form and capsules on wooden table

Ashwagandha contains bioactive compounds that research studies have shown provide various stress relief benefits. One study’s participants showed a reduction in serum cortisol and self-reported feelings of stress after taking 600mg of Ashwagandha for two months.* Ashwagandha supports healthy hormone levels of DHEA and testosterone which can contribute to a better mood. Our Ashwagandha formula contains 800 mg in a one-capsule serving for potent effectiveness.*

Magnesium Benefits for Stress

Bananas, chocolate, nuts, pepitas and other Magnesium rich foods

Magnesium supports mood balance by blocking excess amounts of excitatory neurotransmitters and increasing brain plasticity.* This mineral also supports over 300 chemical processes in the body. If you want to support healthy brain signaling and mood, magnesium plays a vital role in supporting those aspects of wellness. If you’re looking for a simple way to supplement your magnesium our tasty powdered drink supplement, Magnesium Soothe, allows you to add a boost of magnesium and l-theanine to any beverage. We also have magnesium in convenient capsule form in our Magnesium Glycinate supplement.

Shop our Stress Support Collection to see our full selection of supplements to help promote a better mood*


References

Thomée, S., Härenstam, A., Hagberg, M. (2011, January 31). Mobile phone use and stress, sleep disturbances, and symptoms of d—-----n among young adults--a prospective cohort study. BMC public health. Retrieved October 5, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3042390/ 

Karim, F., Oyewande, A. A., Abdalla, L. F., Chaudhry Ehsanullah, R., Khan, S. (2020, June 15). Social media use and its connection to Mental Health: A Systematic Review. Cureus. Retrieved October 5, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7364393/ 

Breus Ph.D., M. J. (2017, August 29). What you need to know about L-theanine. Psychology Today. Retrieved October 5, 2022, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/sleep-newzzz/201708/what-you-need-know-about-l-theanine 

Chandrasekhar, K., Kapoor, J., Anishetty, S. (2012, July). A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and a—--- in adults. Indian journal of psychological medicine. Retrieved October 5, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3573577/ 

Lopresti, A. L., Drummond, P. D., Smith, S. J. (2019). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study examining the hormonal and vitality effects of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in aging, overweight males. American journal of men's health. Retrieved October 5, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6438434/ 

More evidence that exercise can boost mood. Harvard Health. (2019, May 1). Retrieved October 5, 2022, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/more-evidence-that-exercise-can-boost-mood