Stress: The Unwanted Guest

You're stuck in traffic, in the car next to you is a couple arguing, the car behind you is honking their horn like a lunatic and you're staring at your watch wondering if you're going to make it to your daughter's 4th-grade stage play to see her dressed up like an adorable bunny.

Stress is like that uninvited guest who shows up at your party, drinks all your wine, eats your hors d'oeuvres, insults your friends, and then sticks around long after everyone else has left. We all experience it, and sometimes it feels like it’s moved in for good. But fear not! There are ways to reduce stress and even kick it out of your life for good. Let’s dive into the wild world of stress reduction with a side of humor and a dash of supplements.

The Nature of Stress

First, let’s understand our enemy that keeps knocking at our door every day demanding to be let in. Stress is our body’s way of responding to any kind of demand or threat. When we sense danger whether it’s real or imagined, stress can also be a hero coming to our rescue, it’s an automatic process known as the “fight-or-flight” reaction or the stress response.

In the short term, stress can be a great friend that holds our hand and keeps us from making those big mistakes like running off a cliff like a lemming. It can help you avoid danger, meet a deadline, or prepare for the big meeting where the fate of your career hangs on by a thread.

But when stress becomes a chronic companion and decides to move in and never leave it can lead to health problems, including anxiety, depression, heart disease, weight gain, and sleep issues. And for the men out there, it can fuel the dreaded Erectile Dysfunction. It’s like binge-watching a suspense thriller — exciting at first, but utterly exhausting after ten episodes.

I work in the film industry and as a Director of Photography, I have a fun but a pretty high-stress gig. Long hours, little sleep, lots of travel, shooting under the rain and snow, on-set stress, and at times dealing with unsavory individuals who shall not be named. I can’t speak for everyone, but I need a little help to keep my head from exploding. For me a cocktail of the things listed below helps me stay chill under pressure.

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Stess Reduction Techniques: The Art of Chilling Out

Mindfulness Meditation: Let's start with the obvious, and please don't cringe but it's meditation. It's not just for monks locked away in some monastery in Tibet or some Guru in New Dehli that speaks to cows. Mindfulness meditation is a great way to reduce stress by focusing on the present moment. Not the past or the future but the here and now. It involves sitting quietly and paying attention to your thoughts, sounds, the sensations of breathing, or parts of your body. Just tune everything out except yourself. I know it sounds New Age, but it works.

Think of it as hitting the pause button on your brain's chaotic playlist. And the best part? You can do it anywhere—on the bus, at your desk, or even in the bathroom (your secret is safe with us).

Exercise: Speaking of the obvious this should really be number one but we need to pay homage to our Tibetan friends first. We know, we know. The last thing you want to do when you’re stressed is work out. But trust us, physical activity is a fantastic stress-buster, when you work out you tune out the world other than the task at hand. Exercise pumps up your endorphins, which are your brain's feel-good neurotransmitters. Plus, it’s a great way to improve your mood, distract yourself from daily worries and of course shed those pesky pounds.

If the gym isn’t your thing, try dancing around your living room like no one’s watching, it's the same as singing in the shower with a bad voice. How about taking a brisk walk around your neighborhood without getting chased by the neighbor's Chihuahua?

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Laughter Therapy: You expect me to laugh while I'm being chased by a vicious Chihuahua? Exactly, ever heard the phrase “laughter is the best medicine”? It’s true! Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease. So take some time, binge-watch your favorite Old School comedy, dust off a vintage Mad Magazine, or spend time with friends who make you laugh until you snort. And if you get stuck for a laugh, just think back to something thoroughly stupid you've done in your life and laugh at yourself.

Journaling: Here's one that's not so obvious which can also be a cathartic experience if you harbor thoughts of being Hemingway or Shakespeare. Putting pen to paper can help you manage stress and throw down all those things that are eating away at you. Writing about your thoughts and feelings may sound like something Freud would suggest, but it can help you gain control of your emotions and improve your mental health. Think of it as a brain flatulence—getting all smelly gas out of your head and onto the page. Plus, you can look back and laugh at the things that once stressed you out. And don't forget to lock them away, wouldn't want to get blackmailed by an ex now would we.

Deep Breathing Exercises: Spock from Star Trek was big fan of this and it worked for him so why not try it out? Deep breathing is like sending a “calm down” signal to your brain. When you breathe deeply, it sends more oxygen to your brain and stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system. I'm not a Neurosurgeon by I know that Oxygen and the brain are connected. This very simple Level 1 exercise which promotes a state of calmness will help you from popping a brain gasket. It's a bit Zen, but really does work.

Try this: Breathe in slowly through your nose for four counts, hold for seven counts, and exhale through your mouth for eight counts. Repeat until you feel like a Zen master sitting in your monastery high in the Himalayas.

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Nature’s Chill Pills

Valerian Root: Yes, the most pedestrian of all supplements slaps us upside the head once again as one of the better herbs for stress reduction. If your stomach is churning and keeping you up at night, valerian root might be your new best friend. This herb has been used for centuries to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. It’s like a natural lullaby in a bottle.

L-Theanine: Unlike the despicable Grinch, some things that are good for you are green. L-Theanine found in green tea has the same shade of green as the Grinch. L-theanine is an amino acid that promotes relaxation without drowsiness. It’s perfect for those days when you need to be calm but still alert. Think of it as your zen warrior supplement.

Hodiola Rosea: This is a super obscure herb, I am asking all you out there, have you ever heard of it? Well that makes two of us. This adaptogenic herb helps your body adapt to stress and reduces fatigue. It’s like having a little Viking in your system, fighting off stress and keeping you energized. Of course this Viking doesn't lop off people's heads for the fun of it

Magnesium: Magnesium makes me think of the 7 dwarfs digging for this stuff in a cave somewhere. In reality it's a vital mineral that plays a key role in stress management. Low levels of magnesium can lead to increased anxiety and stress. So, if you’re feeling stressed, it might be time to check your magnesium intake. Magnesium also helps increase blood supply to those tires legs that throb at the end of a long day. Think of it as your muscle-relaxing, nerve-soothing mineral buddy but remember it should be taken before bedtime.

B Vitamins: Did you ever wonder why there are no A vitamins? If you answered yes you better find something better to do with your time. B vitamins, especially B6, B9 (folic acid), and B12, are essential for maintaining a healthy nervous system. They can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. They’re like the unsung heroes of the vitamin world, quietly keeping you sane.

Conclusion: Stress, Meet Your Match

While stress is an inevitable part of life, it doesn’t have to be your constant companion. By incorporating mindfulness, exercise, laughter, journaling, and deep breathing into your routine, you can significantly reduce your stress levels. And if you need a little extra help, supplements like Ashwagandha, Valerian Root, L-theanine, Rhodiola Rosea, Magnesium, and B-Vitamins can provide that extra boost.

Remember, the key to managing stress is finding what works best for you. There is no one turn key solution but if you mix and match you might find the right combination that works for you. Life is too short to let stress take the driver’s seat of life. So, kick stress to the curb, and take the wheel of your happiness. After all, you deserve to enjoy the ride.

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