We live in stressful times
Stress has become such a part of modern life, that it has almost become the norm. Unfortunately, stress can have some far-reaching implications and can even be a big contributing factor to ill health.
What is stress?
Fittingly enough, the term "stress" is derived from the old English word "destresse", which means to draw tight.
In simple terms, stress is the body's natural "fight or flight" instinct when faced with threats - whether physical or psychological. In small doses, stress can be a real positive - it can help us to perform under pressure by keeping us focused, energetic and alert. However, when you are under relentless pressure, stress can start causing major damage to your health, productivity, relationships, and your general quality of life.
When does stress become harmful?(1)
The experience of stress is highly individualised. What constitutes overwhelming stress for one person may not be perceived as stress for another. Regardless of our stress tolerance, it is important to establish when stress gets out of hand.
Excessive stress can manifest itself in a
variety of emotional, behavioural and
even physical symptoms:(1)
|• Memory problems||• Inability to concentrate||• Moodiness||• Irritability or short temper|
|• Poor judgment||• Seeing only the negative||• Inability to relax||• Feeling overwhelmed|
|• Anxious thoughts||• Constant worrying||• Sense of isolation||• General unhappiness|
|• Headache||• Back and chest pain||• Overeating||• Sleeping pattern changes|
|• Heart palpitations||• High blood pressure||• Isolation||• Procrastinating|
|• Upset stomach||• Decreased immunity||
• Using alcohol, cigarettes,
|• Nervous habits|
Dealing with stress(1)
People deal with stress in different ways, but there are some coping strategies that could cause damage in the long run, including:
• Alcohol abuse
• Drug abuse
• Sleeping too much
• Overeating or undereating
There are better ways to deal with stress
Taking steps to manage your stress can have numerous health benefits.
Stress management can include:(2)
• Physical activity
• Tai chi
• Relaxation techniques
Beating stress the Biral¨ way
Biral¨ is a natural product of plant origin. It is the leading tranquilizer in its class and calms anxiety without
impairing mental alertness and concentration.
Biral¨ contains two natural products that are renowned for their stress reducing properties:
Passionflower extract is used in several parts of the world as a traditional medicine for the management
Valerian has also been used as a medical herb since at least the time of ancient Greece and Rome.
During World War ll, it was used in England to relieve the stress of air raids. However, today,
Valerian is commonly prescribed for its calming properties.(4)
Combined, these two ingredients offer a stress-beating formulation that can be used during the day
and at night.
References: 1. Medicine Netcom. What are the signs and symptoms of poorly managed stress? Available at www.medicinenet.com/stress/article.htm. Accessed on 31/03/09. 2. Mayoclinic.Stress Symptoms: Effects on your body, feelings and behaviour. Available at www.mayoclinic/health/stress-symptoms/SR00008_D. Accessed on 31/03/2009. 3. Pub Med. Daiwan K. Drug / substance reversal effects of a novel tri-substituted benzoflovane moiety (BZF) isolated from Passiflora incarnata Linn. - a brief perspective. Available at www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11694362. Accessed on 31/03/2009. 4. Office of dietary supplements. Valerian. Available at http:// ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/valerian.asp
S0 Biral¨ tablets. Ref. no B1503(Act 101 of 1965). Each tablet contains 100 mg Valerianae extractum siccum and 45 mg Passiflorae extractum siccum.
NYCOMED (Pty) Ltd. Reg. No. 1982/011215/07.
1 Libertas Road, Corner Main Road and Sloane Street,
Bryanston, 2191. Tel: 0861 692672 Fax: 0861 692329. BLI/05/09