How to manage stress?

July 30, 2025 Krystine Schweizer

Summary of the article

A state of intense and long-term stress has direct implications on the proper functioning of our body. In a survival situation, it changes its priorities. The immune system suffers, making way for reactions that seem more vital. In the long term, the physical symptoms (sweating, accelerated heart rate and breathing, muscular tension, digestive problems, etc.) but also psychological symptoms (irritability, difficulty concentrating, depression, etc.) can lead to serious pathologies. It is therefore essential not only to identify the origin of this stress, but also to learn how to manage it by taking appropriate measures.

What is stress for?

Stress is basically a defensive reaction of our body when faced with a dangerous situation. It is therefore also dependent on our way of approaching a situation.

Good stress

Our bodies produce hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol, to help us overcome the situation: increased heart rate, dilation of the bronchi and pupils. Our physical abilities are momentarily increased. It can therefore be a driving force to overcome a particular situation, the principle being to give us the strength to defend ourselves.

Bad stress

In our society, we experience long-term stressful situations that are difficult to manage. Whether in our work, family situation, or social environment, there is no simple defensive response, and stress can persist or even worsen over time.

The 4 forms of stress

physical

Illness and fatigue can cause physical stress which directly impacts our health.
mental

Work, family management, worries, and busy schedules are all stress factors.
environmental

Any change in our habits: in our diet, our sleep/wake rhythms, a move...
emotional

We talk about emotional stress during relationship conflicts, divorce, bereavement, harassment, mobbing, etc.

Stress at work

You should know that stress depends on each person's personality.
When occasional stress occurs, some people use it as a driving force and know how to manage it perfectly. For others, it's more difficult to deal with; they become discouraged, lose their concentration, and lose their ability to adapt. In this case, stress is very difficult to handle, affecting their sleep or their relationships with others.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

First described by neurologist Oppenheim in 1889, following his investigation into railway accidents, traumatic neurosis is a set of symptoms triggered by a dangerous situation. It is based on a physiological reaction and has long been associated with cardiac neurosis.

Today, it is defined as "a bio-neuro-physiological reaction following a situation during which the physical or psychological integrity of the patient, or that of those around him, has been threatened or actually harmed."

Relationship stress

We are sociable beings and, as such, we encounter many people throughout our lives: parents, friends, colleagues or simple acquaintances. It is the sum total of these relationships that will influence our emotional development and our self-image. We all have our own character, ways of functioning, opinions of our own, emotional baggage and it is sometimes difficult to have a serene relationship with others. We are not made to get along with everyone.

Adaptation stress

Moving, changing jobs, being fired, giving birth, bereavement, divorce, marriage, chronic illnesses... Whether happy or sad, a change in our life's path is interpreted as a threat to our balance and can cause a state of stress that allows us to monopolize the resources needed to face the situation. Again, it depends on the nature of each person, their ability to adapt, their physical, family and emotional resources.

Stress at school

Academic demands, the ever-increasing performance bar, and insecurity about the future are recurring sources of stress for children and adolescents. There is increasing talk of bullying at school: our children's unhappiness exacerbates the competitive spirit, the clan effect, and the intolerance that are at the root of bullying.

Trace elements

energy for the nervous system

Trace elements are the elements that activate our metabolisms and allow them to function properly. It is therefore a natural solution that helps our body in its fight against stress.

The role of trace elements

Manganese-cobalt

A basic treatment for neurodegenerative disorders, this combination alleviates anxiety, memory loss, and insomnia.
Lithium

It intervenes in nerve transmission by competing with potassium and sodium at synapses and inhibits the conversion of ATP by substituting for magnesium.
Magnesium

It controls the permeability of the nerve cell and plays a role in the phenomenon of neuromuscular excitability.
Potassium

It intervenes in nerve transmission at the level of synaptic membranes.
Zinc

It helps synthesize neurotransmitters that regulate our mood and emotional states.
Phosphorus

Fundamental as a source of rapidly available energy for cells thanks to oxidative phosphorylation. Ideal for combating stress.

Sacha inchi

the treasure of the Incas

The oil extracted from sacha inchi is not only rich in essential fatty acids, which play a direct role in the activity of cells (especially neurons) and contribute to the proper functioning of our body.

read the article