Every day, an estimated 21 South Africans commit suicide and according to experts, stress could be a significant contributing factor.
A recent study conducted by international research company Bloomberg ranked South Africa as the second “most stressed out” nation in the world, following Nigeria.
Currently the pandemic has caused an emotional tsunami and South Africans are saddled with worries about education, healthcare, job security and the nitty gritty of day-to-day life. Thing is, all eight billion human beings on this planet are different, but there’s one thing we all have in common … STRESS.
Although short bursts of stress could offer tremendous opportunities to break through personal barriers and encourage growth, chronic stress is detrimental to mental and physical health. Remember, stress activates your body’s fight-or-flight response which in turn prompts your adrenal glands to release a surge of hormones, including adrenalin and cortisol.
When this fight-or-flight reaction stays “turned-on” the long term exposure to cortisol and other stress hormones can disrupt almost all your body’s processes, leading to anything from depression, anxiety, weight gain, heart disease and much more.
As stress becomes the chronic epidemic of our time, there is an overwhelming demand for strategies to manage the condition.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all option when it comes to stress relief. However, it’s important to keep looking for the tools that will help you to manage life’s inevitable ups and downs in a healthy way.
Source: 1life.co.za, verywellmind.com, healthline.com, heartfoundation.co.za, ditchthelabel.org, womanshealthmag.com, healingpoint.co.za, bhekisisa.org, news24.com, mensjournal.com, berries.com, transcendental-meditation.co.za
DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.