cortisol – Be Well Solutions

The Next Generation of Stress Tracking

Experiencing stress is a natural part of life. But when it becomes chronic and is left unmanaged, it can negatively impact us physically, mentally, and emotionally. Through the demands of the day and busy schedules, it can be tempting to plow through stressful feelings and situations and deal with the consequences later. Tracking and monitoring stress levels can serve as an intentional reminder to address our triggers and responses and find healthier ways to cope during difficult seasons. Newer technologies monitor how stress affects our bodies by tracking heart rate, brainwaves, or hormone levels. Stress tracking is becoming more accessible as many devices, such as watches and rings, commonly use heart rate to measure and estimate daily stress levels. The Benefits Stress can often go unmanaged in two common ways. First, we tend to avoid or ignore it. We can [...]

How Community Can Impact Our Stress Management

As humans, we experience stress as a natural part of life. How we react, respond, and manage stress can greatly affect our physical, mental, and emotional health. Research from the American Psychological Association found that while loneliness can negatively influence health and wellness, “social support bolsters resilience in stressful situations.” Seeking out community and meaningful connections can positively impact our stress management efforts. Ease the Fight or Flight Response During stressful situations, our body’s natural reaction is to ‘fight or flight’. This can protect us from harm or prepare our bodies to fight in an emergency. However, when daily stressors continuously activate this system, it can begin to negatively impact our physical and mental health. Communicating and engaging with others helps us calm this action, so we can respond appropriately and thoughtfully rather than mindlessly or impulsively. The support of [...]

Get a Dose of Nature

Get a Dose of Nature You likely already do things to help cut down on daily stress. Perhaps you meditate for a few minutes each day; practice self-care rituals; or choose to eat a well-balanced diet that promotes sustained energy and mental clarity. But have you ever considered what spending time outdoors can do for you? Think about it; outdoor-living was the only option for our ancestors. Over time, human brains formed an innate connection with nature, one that can be difficult to uphold with indoor-based living. This relatively recent change to living and working indoors comes with apparent advantages, i.e., protection from harsh weather, but our brains never abandoned the instinctual desire to connect with nature. This desire to spend time outside can be demonstrated by the mental and physical health benefits that occur when we get in touch [...]

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