Stress can creep up on you, especially at the end of the year when the pressure is on to finish up projects, plan family getaways, and set things in place to make the coming year a little easier.

Stress can also take on many forms and effect you in a number of different ways. It can be long-term or short-term, manageable, or in some cases, dangerous.

When you’re stressed you produce chronic stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which raise your heart rate, tire you out and affect your immune system.

Our bodies react negatively to overexposure to chronic stress hormones, which over time can lead to preventable health issues such as blood pressure, inflammation, lung disease, psychological problems and sleep disorders.

A recent study revealed that South Africa is the second-most stressed country in the world. We’re so used to being stressed out, that we often don’t see the signs that we need to take a step back and do something about it.

Here are the signs and symptoms of chronic stress, followed by a few suggestions for living a healthier, less stressful life.

Psychological Signs

• Inability to concentrate or make simple decisions
• Memory lapses and becoming rather vague
• Negative thinking
• Depression & anxiety

Emotional Signs

• Tearful, irritable, defensive
• Mood swings
• Feeling out of control
• Lack of motivation
• Angry and frustrated
• Lack of confidence

Physical Signs

• Aches, pains, muscle tension, grinding teeth
• Frequent colds, infections
• Allergies, rashes, skin irritations
• Constipation, diarrhoea, IBS
• Weight loss or gain
• Indigestion, heartburn, ulcers
• Dizziness, palpitations
• Panic attacks, nausea
• Menstrual changes, loss of libido
• Heart problems, high blood pressure

If you’re experiencing a combination of some of the above symptoms, you might be suffering from chronic stress, and the best advice would be to seek some professional guidance to get your body and mind back on track.

The experts at Health Renewal take a functional and holistic approach to helping patients deal with stress. The approach is not a “one size fits all”, but rather a tailor-made plan for each individual, based on their needs.

Treatment options could include:

• Recommended oral products and supplements like the Chronic Stress Cocktail. This simple IV helps replenish the potent antioxidant glutathione, as well as, B-vitamins, magnesium and vitamin C and helps to re-energise and de-stress the body. The Chronic stress cocktail contains a blend of anti-oxidants used to fight off stress-induced ailments and B vitamins to bring back energy levels, aiding in better brain power and improved focus.
• Biopuncture – An effective and inexpensive therapy, Biopuncture involves injecting diluted microdoses of botanicals and minerals intramuscularly. Just one injection has an effect on the entire body. Biopuncture has been used to successfully treat a long list of conditions, many of which are painful. These include a migraine, fibromyalgia, neck and shoulder spasms, arthritis and myofascial pain syndrome. It can also assist with diseases like diabetes, ease the symptoms of menopause, and even improve skin conditions like acne and rosacea.
• Alternative stress management strategies
• Hormone therapy and Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BIHRT)
• Ozone therapy
• Sleep studies and recommended treatments based on the outcome of your study results
• Brain mapping and training
• Blood tests, hair analysis and gene testing to help diagnose potential problems.
• At Home Stress Management

One of the most stressful things you can do is attempt to do everything yourself. We often don’t like to admit it, but sometimes we need back-up.

Why not visit the Health Renewal website, book a consult or appointment with one of their doctors, and take the first step towards a stress-free, healthier you.