New epigenetic test to measure and tackle stress overload more effectively

Stress is the body’s normal reaction to a challenging situation, making us more alert and ready to tackle the event that triggered it – whether it be physical or emotional. Think of it as an alarm system going off to let your body know it is “under threat” and needs to mobilise its internal resources.

While stress does serve a purpose in certain situations, too much stress can be truly detrimental to our health and wellbeing. The accumulation of stress responses is referred to as “allostatic load” or, more commonly, as “stress overload”. When too frequent or prolonged for extended periods of time, the physiological dysregulation – the opposite of homeostasis – we experience when under stress can contribute to a variety of health complications. Put simply, the accumulated ‘wear and tear’ in the body caused by stress can progressively drive the body’s internal systems to their limits and precipitate various health issues, including cardiovascular disease, premature ageing, weight gain, depression and even diabetes.

But how does one know when a bit of stress has turned into too much stress? Getting an accurate measure of one’s stress overload can provide invaluable information on the state of the body and help guide stress management strategies, targeted lifestyle changes and personalised medical recommendations.

While it is important to identify and address the root causes of stress for long-term health and wellbeing, knowing how to manage stress levels daily can be very helpful in the short run.

Although this might seem obvious, it is worth reminding that maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential for anyone trying to manage their stress levels. As confirmed by a holistic therapist at Clinique La Prairie, this involves a balanced diet, staying hydrated, exercising, restful sleep and spending time in nature regularly.

Perhaps less well known is the power of visualisation and positive affirmations. Visualising and verbalising the great day that lies ahead can really help shift your attitude, helping you to embrace the reality of life with a more serene state of mind.

One of the simplest ways to address the body’s natural stress response is to use conscious breathing, also known as controlled breathing. As Clinique La Prairie’s breathing coach and Pranayama expert Phil Simha explains, “conscious breathing slows our heart and breathing rates, lowers blood pressure and clears the mind”. For those who wish to tap into this superpower, becoming familiar with abdominal breathing – the most relaxed way of breathing – is the first step. Inhaling deep into your stomach creates a balance between perfect oxygen supply and low pulse – a state of deep relaxation. The following practice is a great way to get started:

• Lay on a mat carefully unfolding the spine (with support under the knees in case of lumbar pain).
• Place a light weight (500 grams max) on your belly to help focus attention specifically on that area.
• Breathe (in the belly) consciously but with no effort: inhale slowly against the resistance of the weight, and then let the exhalation happen slowly while the weight presses down on the abdominal wall (the inhalation should be very slow and the exhalation 1,5 to 2 times longer than the inhalation).
• Inhaling through your nose, you feel the cool air entering and can imagine it spreading through your body. The same way the cool air entered, the same way the warm breath leaves the body.
• Visualise how regenerating oxygen enters the body with the inhale, while toxins exit the body and mind through the exhale.
• After 8-10 minutes, bring life back to feet and hands, then stretch with a deep inhale.
• Roll onto your right flank with legs bent, stay there for 1-2 minutes breathing in the belly, then open your eyes and slowly come back to a seated position.

Result of five years of rigorous research, Clinique La Prairie’s Holistic Health longevity nutraceuticals offer a whole new approach to longevity and, for the first time, the benefit of the brand’s industry-leading expertise beyond the walls of the clinic.

The range consists of four different health routines, all crafted in Switzerland and formulated with an exclusive Holistic Complex which is enhanced with carefully selected micronutrients and plant extracts, for maximum performance.

The BALANCE solution is a two-step routine designed to enhance daily wellbeing and lower stress levels. In addition to the Holistic Complex, the morning step combines 17 essential vitamins, minerals and bioavailable forms of supercharged nutrients. The evening step, specially formulated to support normal psychological and cognitive functions and to reinforce biological sleepwake cycles, combines essential nutrients and the Bluenesse® patented ingredient, known to boost mental clarity and improve stress reactivity. BALANCE is the best daily ally for those individuals who wish to maintain their internal equilibrium as they take on the challenges of this fast-paced society.

To find out more about the Holistic Health range, please visit the Holistic Health website at https://cliniquelaprairie-hh.com.