We all react in different ways to stress. Some of us are not easily stressed and seem to be able to take the ups and downs of life in their stride. For others though, there is a cumulative effect where all the little stressors of life seem to add up and the pressures build to the point where just the slightest trigger is enough to set off a volcanic emotional reaction. May God protect those in the nearby vicinity.

Our bodies are designed in such a way to protect ourselves in emergency situations. Imagine an ancient ancestor going about the daily business of collecting a few nuts and berries not far from the cave opening... when suddenly a frightening growl from a sabre tooth tiger sends our cave man back to the cave to hide behind the fire roaring at the entranceway. You can bet he moved really quickly and he would have experienced a jolt of adrenaline that was released the exact moment he knew his life was in danger.

That adrenaline release is accompanied by a number of physiological reactions including a faster beating heart to allow for greatly increased circulation to the large muscles of the arms and legs; a burst of glucose from the liver directly into the blood stream to fuel the muscles; airways opening up to make breathing easier and increased mental activity to be able to make split second life saving decisions. Once the body has safely averted the crisis it begins to relax again.

In modern life we are not likely to have to face such extreme threats to our life but we seem to have a whole lot of little threats taking place. A close call when an inconsiderate driver cuts in front too close to you on the motorway is one example. There are also work pressures, time pressures, monetary concerns, employment issues and relationship clashes to contend with. It's the prolonged stress that can affect our bodies and impact negatively on our health.

Our blood pressure can rise, our skin can break out, we can become nervous and agitated. Sleep becomes difficult, relationships suffer and depression is a possibility. It's clear we need to be able to deal with our stress and manage it in such a way that we can easily cope with the daily challenges of life.

Adding physical stresses to our body in an attempt to manage our mental stressors is counter productive. A little alcohol, even every day may help you unwind and relax especially if it is in a social setting where you have the companionship of close friends and loved ones around. Too much to drink though can harm your health. Likewise tobacco smoking and eating junk food, other common salves to stress are harmful especially over time.

A better way is to enjoy the good things in life that are either free or near enough to being free such as a walk in the park, some social sport activity like touch rugby or the practice of Yoga, Tai Chi or daily meditation helps to dissolve stress.

There are a number of herbs that may assist too. The traditional ayurvedic herb, Ashwagandha supports the adrenal glands and helps the body cope with stress. It is useful especially when an excess of stress causes the body to become fatigued to the point of continual low energy, a sure sign that the adrenal glands are challenged.

Kiwiherb StressCare is indicated for those suffering from prolonged stress and may assist with sleep and provide adrenal support.

Click here for more information about Kiwiherb StressCare