For many of us, the past 3 years have been exceptionally stressful, having been dominated by fears about the pandemic. But even now after the pandemic fear has more or less subsided, chronic stress continues to be an unavoidable part of modern life, manifesting in many different ways – from constant headaches and sleepless nights, to inexplicable digestive issues and creeping anxiety – all hindering our productivity and undermining our sense of wellbeing in the process.
And so most of us are likely to benefit from some stress management strategies to carry us into the times ahead.
TACKLING STRESS THE NATURAL WAY
While medication and therapy are undoubtedly effective means to manage stress and anxiety, some of us may be interested in regaining inner balance naturally without resorting to pharmaceuticals. The good news is that nature offers several powerful ingredients that are renowned for their soothing effects and have been proven effective.
Valeo’s Zen+ Supplement combines 4 of nature’s most powerfully soothing ingredients that can help you keep calm and sail through daily stress with ease.
WHAT IS INSIDE ZEN+
L-Theanine – if you have ever wondered why you were told to drink a cup of green tea before bed to help you relax, then you are about to find out why.
Both green tea and black tea are great sources of a unique amino acid called L-theanine, which has been shown to exhibit calming effects and increase alertness – without causing drowsiness. L-theanine is thought to work by decreasing “excitatory” brain chemicals that contribute to stress and anxiety while increasing brain chemicals that promote the feeling of relaxation. Other research has even linked L-theanine supplement consumption to improvement in sleep quality, blood pressure, as well as focus and attention.
Saffron Extract – Saffron, often referred to as the ”golden spice”, has been used as a seasoning and coloring agent in food for centuries. But did you know that saffron may also support mood, hormone balance and gut health, amongst other emerging health benefits? Saffron’s mood-elevating and calming effects are due to multiple sites of action, including increasing the levels in the brain of important mood-elevating neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, balancing the body’s stress response, and exhibiting anti-inflammatory effects in the brain.
Magnesium Citrate – Magnesium’s beneficial effects on mood and stress are so well-known that the mineral has nicknames like “the original chill pill” and “nature’s valium”. However, many people are often on low doses of magnesium or take forms of magnesium that are not well-absorbed by the body. It’s no surprise that they don’t notice any benefit in their anxiety, stress, mood, or sleep. Magnesium in the form of magnesium citrate – used to alleviate constipation – is however one of the most well-tolerated and well-absorbed forms of magnesium that are likely to help you ease into sleep after a long stressful day.
Vitamin B6 – the calming effects of vitamin B6 have been recently confirmed in a trial in which significant reduction in anxiety and depression symptoms was noted among participants who took vitamin B6 supplements for about one month. The effects of vitamin B6 supplements were thought to be related to improved functioning of a neurotransmitter in the brain (GABA) which is known to be responsible for inducing calm and relaxation.
Along with supplementation, there are plenty of other measures to take to enjoy a more balanced body and calmer mind – from regular and gentle exercise to get the endorphins flowing to meditation and limiting screen time in the evening as much as possible.
It is important to note though that supplements are unlikely to help in cases of severe depression or anxiety and that you should always consult with a trained professional.
We actually recommend that you consult a health care provider before starting any supplement, regardless of what it is meant to treat.