Turning ‘Stressed' Into ‘Desserts'

The current pandemic has thrust us into a phase of confinement like never before. Many stay at home more often, holidays seem impossible for the next few months, economies are badly affected, and family relationships are challenged as people are confined within the same space. The way we socialize has changed, too; gatherings are smaller, a casual handshake can no longer be done with ease, and those stranded abroad are longing to reunite with their family and friends at home. COVID-19 has induced different levels of stress in us in various ways. Surveys and polls show that depression, anxiety, insomnia, and other mental health issues are more prevalent.

- Caleb Mok

The Stress Response

Our natural stress response is fight or flight that is governed by various hormones, including cortisol and catecholamines, that stimulate physiological reactions like increased heart and breathing rate, blood circulation to certain body organs so that we can either ‘escape’ from or ‘survive’ various stressors like physical, chemical or biological stressors. Some stressors are good, especially if they are short-term, and if we confront, perceive, and respond to them with a positive mindset and actions. However, we fail to cope with stress, get rid of them, and react healthily. As a result, we overspill our stress response, granting the chance for the stressors to cause chronic stress.

Chronic stress is linked to chronic inflammation and can lead to myriad ailments, including digestive disorders, immune system impairment, cardiovascular diseases, other metabolic disorders, atherosclerosis, neurological impairment, mental disorders, cancer, and accelerated aging. Thankfully, our dietary habits and nutritional status can help us better manage anxiety and psychological stress.

Adapting to Stressors Better