Alternatives to medication for chronic stress

We often talk about stress as if it's just part of life. But if you constantly feel like you are under pressure, we are talking about chronic stress. That's far from harmless. Medication then seems to be the only solution. Still, there are also alternative methods that can help you manage chronic stress. Discover alternatives to medication for chronic stress.

Occasionally biting your nails in traffic or feeling nervous before a presentation is perfectly normal. That stress even makes you extra focused. The most important thing? It's temporary. Chronic stress, on the other hand, is paralyzing and permanent.

These are the most common symptoms of chronic stress:

• poor sleep
  
• irritability;
• tension;
• the tendency to withdraw;
• reduced appetite or just no more craving for sweets;
• moodiness and fatigue.

Are you suffering from chronic stress? Then always talk to your general practitioner. He or she can best assess what you need. Don't dismiss medication, it could be the right solution. Do you want to support your body even more? These are the alternatives to medication for chronic stress!

Know what you eat

A healthy and balanced diet is one of the alternatives to medication for chronic stress. These foods and substances are best added to your weekly menus:

Prebiotic food. Kefir and fiber are the foods you definitely need to include in your diet. They ensure healthy intestines. Your gut has a significant influence on your neurotransmitters and stress levels.

Magnesium-rich food. With insufficient magnesium, your stress resilience decreases. Add legumes, nuts, broccoli, and bananas to your shopping list.

Hot food. Avoid a cold breakfast in the morning if you have little energy. Warm food gives you a boost. Choose a fried egg or granola with warm ingredients.

These products are better avoided if you are dealing with chronic stress:

Carbohydrates and sugars. Foods high in fast carbohydrates and sugars disrupt your blood sugar levels. The result? Your stress increases. So it's better to avoid fries, candy, and soda.

Coffee has an invigorating effect, the caffeine is detrimental to your stress level. Do you need a boost? Then try MINDSCOPIC® CLEAR FOCUS™ CAFFEINE FREE. A natural product that helps you improve your concentration without the caffeine rush.

Hack your sleep pattern

In periods of stress, you sleep less well. In times of stress, your body produces more adrenaline and norepinephrine, hormones that make you more alert. The production of the hormone cortisol also increases, while it should actually be low in order to sleep well. Hacking your sleep pattern is therefore one of the alternatives to medication for chronic stress. Here's how to tackle it:

Create a sleep ritual
It's all about routine . Create a fixed ritual before you go to sleep. Ideally, you should put your smartphone and other screens away an hour in advance. Listen to relaxing music, your favorite podcast, or meditate. Drink a cup of tea and lie down calmly in bed. Reading before you go to sleep is also a good way to tire your brain. Whatever you do, try to stick to that routine every evening. This way, you train your brain to feel tired.

Improve your sleep hygiene Ensure a cool room between 16°C and 22°C. Ventilate your bedroom daily and change your bedding every week. A clean and tidy bedroom contributes to better sleep.

Track your sleep rhythm Measuring is knowing. Therefore, track your sleep rhythm with an app. You can find various (free) apps online. Through the app, you can track your sleep cycles and gain insight into your sleep pattern. You can adjust your bedtime accordingly.

Meditate

Meditating relaxes your mind and helps you live in the moment. You really don't need to sit in a lotus position for half an hour. Closing your eyes for a few minutes and letting your thoughts drift is enough. Online, you can find many meditation apps and videos to learn how to meditate.

Psychological support

Staying on top of chronic stress is a long-term effort. Talking about it with a professional can help put everything into perspective. Psychological support is therefore a good alternative to medication for chronic stress. The psychologist can provide techniques and tools to help you manage your stress better.

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