Appointments, work deadlines, family obligations - you live in a demanding world that can take its toll on how you feel and extinguish your energy levels. The end result is often a feeling of stress or of being overwhelmed. In extreme cases, anxiety, depression and an inability to cope may occur.
Job stress is the leading cause of stress for most people, report a number of surveys. According to the 2001 annual "Attitudes in the American Workplace VI" Gallup Poll, sponsored by the Marlin Company, 80 percent of workers felt stress on the job, nearly half said they needed help in learning how to manage stress, and 42 percent said their coworkers needed such help. In a 2000 Integra Study, 62 percent of respondents routinely found that they ended the day with work-related neck pain, 44 percent reported stressed-out eyes, 38 percent complained of hurting hands, and 34 percent reported difficulty in sleeping because they were too stressed out. As the years pass, and demands from employers increase, so do your stress levels.
Unfortunately, it's not always so easy to eliminate the stressors in your life. After all, jobs need to be worked so bills can be paid. However, there are ways you can take an active roll in feeling better and more relaxed. Here are some to consider:
Exercise: Exercise can do wonders to improve both physical and emotional health. It gets the blood pumping through your body and releases endorphins - chemicals in the brain that are responsible for positive moods. Also, exercise activities such as kickboxing, boxing and other contact sports can work out stress-related aggression in productive and safe ways. Building up your endurance through exercise will also provide you with more energy to make it through particularly demanding days at work and home.
Eat healthy foods: Stress can take a physical toll on your body and leave you feeling depleted. Fueling yourself with well-balanced foods can keep you going. Avoid sugary or starchy foods that may only fill cravings for a moment and then cause plummeting energy levels later. Reaching for healthy snacks, like nuts, fruits and whole grains, can give you the boost you need.
Change of scenery: Sometimes simply removing yourself from the stressful situation for a few minutes can do wonders. Don't skip your lunch break at work. Take that opportunity to get a breath of fresh air, walk around the neighborhood or take a fast drive to clear your head.
FDA-certified L-Theanine is leading the way in stress relief: There are a host of supplements out there boasting stress-reduction properties. These include Valerian, St. John's Wort and Kava Kava. However, these seemingly innocuous supplements can actually have negative side effects such as excessive drowsiness and poor interactions with prescription and OTC medications.
Recently, much attention has been focused on L-Theanine, a unique amino acid commonly found in green tea, which was recently certified by the Food and Drug Administration as a reliable dietary means for stress management, in addition to other benefits. L-Theanine is a derivative of Glutamic Acid, which is one of the neurotransmitters found in the brain. Once absorbed into the brain, L-Theanine exhibits many positive physiological effects, including a calming effect and improved concentration and memory acuity. It also works to treat adverse effects of PMS in women.
L-Theanine has been commercially manufactured under the name Suntheanine®. Solibra-SR is one of the few manufacturers who market Suntheanine, and has become the leading choice for dietary supplement stress management. According to the Food and Drug Administration Final Rule under Food Labeling - 21 CFR Part 101.93, acceptable claims for Suntheanine include an easing of anxious feelings and promotion of a relaxed state. It can also be used as an occasional sleep aid or to restore mental alertness.
As opposed to other supplements, Suntheanine is quick-acting and does not produce any notable side effects. It provides a viable option for stress management over the often prescribed prescription depression drugs and sleeping aids given to treat anxiety and stress-related conditions. Always consult with your doctor before taking any supplements or reducing/increasing prescription medications you may be taking.