I know we all can probably agree on one thing here: Mondays suck.
Especially when you have a blissful weekend, wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the week – and then you’re hit with loads of demanding projects, crazy deadlines, and way too many emails you needed to reply to like yesterday.
That sinking feeling of not knowing where to start, or how you’re going to get everything done in time? That’s stress.
And the overwhelming sense of worry that you might not meet expectations, that you might let people down, that you might get fired, and that you might be a failure for life… Yeah, that’s anxiety.
Knowing the difference between stress and anxiety
Sometimes, life can be stressful.
These stressors in your life, no matter how small – can be the reason you’re stressed out, because stress is defined as a physical or mental response to an external cause.
Once the stressor is resolved – like when you finally submit your big work project – then the stress you’re feeling should go away.
But with anxiety, it’s usually a physical or mental response to an internal cause – and if you’re still feeling anxious even if there is no external threat, it could lead to health issues if left unchecked.
Coping with stress and anxiety
Checking my genes to see if I was more susceptible to stress and anxiety helped me understand why I might not be managing stress as well as others.
My Stress Report revealed that my NR3C1 variant is linked to higher cortisol levels in response to stress, and Ashwagandha may reduce my cortisol levels and help relieve stress, too.
While my Anxiety Report showed that my GABRG2 gene variant is associated with anxiety, likely suppressing GABA, a chemical that calms the mind – herbs like Rhodiola Rosea are known to support neurotransmitters like GABA and Norepinephrine.
But the truth is, there’s really no way to avoid stress or anxiety completely – it’s just a part of life.
Even if it’s unavoidable, there are ways to find out what coping strategies are right for you and only YOU.
Everyone is different – and your genes could put you at a higher risk for stress but not anxiety, or vice versa.
Our Anxiety and Stress Reports each contain their own set of personalized recommendations to help you manage the unique issues of stress and anxiety effectively, based on your own DNA.
Start your journey to a calmer mind by ordering your DNA Test Kit today and get access to customized supplement, diet, and lifestyle recommendations based on your genes – so you can start tackling stress and anxiety at the root source!
