Do you feel exhausted, have little energy or have trouble concentrating? That could well be due to your stress level. Stress is your body's natural response to difficult situations, and while it can sometimes be helpful, too much stress can seriously damage our health. The most common symptoms of stress include fatigue, low energy and difficulty concentrating — even if you are not aware of high stress levels. In this article we explore how stress affects your energy levels, what role magnesium can play and what choices you can make to reduce the impact of stress on your body.
When we are under pressure for long periods and consciously or unconsciously experience stress or anxiety, our body releases hormones such as cortisol. This helps us stay alert and focused in difficult situations. However, when our cortisol levels remain elevated for a long time, it can also cause a range of physical symptoms, including fatigue and low energy levels, as well as mental symptoms, such as difficulty concentrating or irritability. The production of cortisol also reduces the production of other hormones that help us feel energetic — such as serotonin or dopamine — making us feel more tired than normal.
Having to consciously or unconsciously deal with stress on a daily basis not only causes physical exhaustion, but also emotional exhaustion. Chronic stress affects your ability to concentrate and makes it more difficult to keep yourself motivated. Because your body is less able to recover due to this underlying tension, it is difficult to get back on track even after a good night's sleep. Fortunately, there are several ways to reduce the effects of stress on your energy levels. One of these is to ensure you get enough magnesium, which helps you control your cortisol production.
Among other things, magnesium plays an essential role in supporting the release of serotonin, which improves mood and promotes relaxation - both crucial aspects when dealing with stress. Magnesium can be found in dark leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds and as a supplement. Try to combine this with sufficient sleep (at least 7-8 hours per night), regular exercise (at least 30 minutes per day) and relaxing activities, such as yoga or meditation, to sustainably tackle the impact of stress. Did you know that even a 15-minute break while working can have a beneficial effect? This way you give yourself the chance to "recharge your batteries" before you get back to it.
Stress is unfortunately a normal part of life today, and we all experience it from time to time. Chronic stress can be present for a long time. However, if it becomes overwhelming and you start to feel exhausted and tired for a long time, the steps above can help you better protect yourself.
Pharmacist Dirk
Founder Metis Supplements
