What is the possible allostatic load treatment? The stress response is an unavoidable part of life. It's been chronic for many people, but what happens when it never turns off? We've seen the effects on our individual and collective minds over 14 months as we continue to experience this multilayered suffering from global pressures that just won't let up.
People are feeling more stressed than ever before. In a February 2021 poll, 84% of US adults reported at least one emotion associated with prolonged stress. That number is likely even higher for therapists who had seen increased burnout since spring last year when the crisis first became prominent publicly known. It's not just people experiencing these emotions, though- animal shelters report increased rates too!
The Concept of Allostasis & The Allostatic Load Index
We have some responses to stress, some of which can be harmful in the long term. The most critical systems involved with chronic exposure are the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the autonomic nervous system. Their respective biochemical mediators like glucocorticoids or catecholamines.
These produce adaptive physiologic effects over time but may cause severe problems if left unchecked by proper treatment for an illness associated with increased sensitivity during periods of high tension such as inflammation.
The AL index is a clinically-controlled measure of how the body responds to stress. It has been designed as an easy way for people at risk or susceptible, including anyone from pregnant women all their way up through senior citizens.
The index is often used to predict mortality and physical functioning. It was found to have an ability to identify symptoms related to chronic stress, which were defined by Feinstein's 1987 - "a current source of distress added onto previous impairment." Recently Fava & McEwen proposed two main criteria: the presence of either one or both these circumstances are currently happening, plus you're experiencing additional difficulties due to your condition.
Effective Ways on How to Reduce Allostatic Load
To build resilience, we need to do hard things. Building up our PNS—the relaxation response in healing circles--is key for reducing allostatic load and balancing out chronic stress with some healthy relaxation! Here are five evidence-based ways that can help you kickstart this process:
Mindfulness
The deep, slow breathing done in yoga, meditation, and conscious breathing exercises turns on the PNS, which slows down the activity of the amygdala - part responsible for driving fear response. Just a few moments' mindful practices such as Lovingkindness Meditation are proven to increase positive emotions that lead to resilience, building personal resources within us all.
Sleep
Lack of sleep has been shown to multiply stress, impairing judgment and concentration. To improve your quality at night, try getting at least seven hours each day with a regular bedtime routine. That includes unplugging from devices 30-60 minutes before going into hibernation and cutting down on the caffeine in the afternoon/evening while eating early dinner. Hence, you're not hungry when it kicks off!
Movement
When we are physically active, our brain releases endorphins that help counteract stress's adverse effects. Exercise also focuses people's attention on what they're doing right now rather than worrying about future problems or worries. It can be used as an effective way to reduce stress levels, among other benefits such as increased cognitive function due to its impact on blood flow throughout your body.
Food as Medicine
Spend more time enjoying the tastes and textures of food with friends, rather than just eating to fill aching stomachs or forgetting what's on your plate altogether. A study by research firm demands shows that people who eat whole grains are less likely to have stress symptoms. Aside from that, other ailments such as poor cognitive function due in part to their high-quality intake over long periods versus low-level personas may lead one to feel overwhelmed very quickly when trying new things.
Balance
The most effective antidote to stress is a whole-person approach. That means practicing self-care in all aspects of life: physical, psychological, and emotional well-being as it applies throughout our relationships with friends or family members. Among other things, including spiritual pursuits, which will help us balance work obligations while also finding time for restful relaxation when needed most.
Reduce Your Allostatic Load Today, Live a Healthy Life Tomorrow!
The medications that doctors prescribe for mental health conditions can effectively reduce symptoms of allostatic load. However, when these drugs don't work or have side effects on their own, some patients turn to complementary therapies like yoga which may offer an alternative solution without the need to take pills every day!
So, how to reduce the allostatic load? The combination of physical activity and yoga is effective for people suffering from stress symptoms. The practice improves social functioning, mental well-being, and better sleep patterns, leading you to have less stress as it relates to your emotional state overall. These are the allostatic load treatment.
Neuvana believes that enhanced wellness, balance, and rejuvenation is an everyday right (and one that shouldn’t rest at the bottom of your to-do list). Our vagus nerve stimulation device stimulates your vagus nerve to enhance sleep, boost mood, improve focus, and knock out stress for good. This way, it can indeed reduce your allostatic load.