Stressed or well dressed? Or both?
- laurasemotions
- Jun 12, 2024
- 3 min read
Many years back I felt like I am trapped in a hamster wheel.
“Run, run, run and never stop!”
My nervous system was hardwired to be in this mode constantly!
I was more stressed than well dressed for that matter…
Well, seems I was not alone. And Stress affects so many people that the big research institutions are exploring the matter. According to Harvard Health, “Research suggests that chronic stress contributes to high blood pressure, promotes the formation of artery-clogging deposits, and causes brain changes that may contribute to anxiety, depression, and addiction.”[1]
Yes, we all probably heard before that stress is not good for us. But why is it so dangerous? Like, really? What actually makes it so dangerous?
Actually stress is actively damaging so-called Telomeres. Telomeres are structures made from DNA sequences and proteins found at the ends of chromosomes. They cap and protect the end of a chromosome like the end of a shoelace. Telomeres are required for cell division. Fair to say, Telomeres are crucial for human beings. So let’s get back to what actually happens to the Telomeres:
“Stress induces secretion of glucocorticoids, which leads to the generation of ROS through increased mitochondrial activity. ROS (authors remark: ROS is short for reactive oxygen species - a group of highly reactive chemicals containing oxygen produced either exogenously or endogenously) preferentially damages Telomeres and inhibits telomerase activity, and both contribute to short and dysfunctional Telomeres.”[2]
Basically, stress is damaging our cells and cell renewal and inhibiting the body from achieving its natural state, the so called homeostasis.
Back to my personal story: I went allover the world wide web and tried to look for solutions. Somehow I found this really interesting place in England and booked myself into a week long retreat. There, we practiced Yoga, Meditation, Mindfulness, Dance and lots of fun group activities. I learned that the stress response can be switched off by simple exercises or breathing techniques, and also through gentle massage of even just the neck or the hands.
It may seem small or unimportant to others, but for me it was a complete revelation at the time that my stress response can be simply “switched off” by very easy and even quick techniques!
When I feel stressed nowadays, I take a couple of minutes to breathe - so if you’re reading this and feel stressed, this is your sign to take a moment of me-time. Even my smartwatch has a mindfulness App and regularly reminds me to breathe and relax.
What helps me greatly as well is the calming scent of Roman Chamomile Oil. The mild sedative effect of Camomile works within seconds and signals my brain to unwind. Another favourite of mine is a blend called Serenity, it literally makes you happy and then sends you into relax mode super quickly.
One of the habits I formed over the years is my evening routine. Part of it is for example that I always read a book with paper pages last thing before I sleep.
If you never thought about setting up an evening routine, you might want to consider things like dimming the light, taking a bath, preparing your outfit for the next day, journaling, drink herbal tea, meditating, yin yoga or like me, incorporating aromatherapy.
In case you feel stressed throughout the day, you can also easily come back to aromatherapy - blends like Balance or Sandalwood oil help to feel calm and grounded. Lemon suports mental focus and Frankincense is an all-round talent for everything brain related.
At the end of the day, it’s not difficult - in fact, it’s all about priorities and keeping a good balance.
Got questions about lifestyle/ habits, mindfulness and/ or aromatherapy techniques - feel free to reach out!
I’d love to chat with you about wellness and self-care.
Sincerely scented,
Laura
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