The importance of early management of any condition cannot be overstated. Once certain conditions set in and damage to organs occurs, complete recovery may be difficult to attain. Best results for prevention and longevity is early detection of a possible problem combined with conventional treatments, nutritional supplements and a healthy diet and lifestyle. The obvious recommendation of avoiding stressful situations and occurrences goes without saying.
Commuter stress, for example, cans affect your body. Try moving to a home closer to your workplace or finding a job closer to home is an obvious solution.
If working a third-shift causes disruption in your cortisol levels or circadian rhythm resulting in disease, then change your work schedule to eliminate this stressor.
Smoking and extremely vigorous or protracted bouts of exhaustive exercise impact the adrenals in a negative way. With regard to the diurnal biorhythms of cortisol release, a few things increase cortisol at the inappropriate time.
The consumption of alcohol and caffeinated beverages such as tea and coffee before bedtime is not recommended as caffeine can increase serum cortisol levels, which is counterproductive during the evening hours when the normal trough is expected. Additionally, caffeine and alcohol affect the release of melatonin (melatonin counters some of the negative effects of cortisol), causing a relative reduction in melatonin secretion during the night when a spike is usually seen.
Other therapies such as acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Ping, Ayurvedic medicine, massage therapy, relaxation, yoga and even music therapy have shown success in stress management.
Owning a pet is associated with improved physical and psychological health. Adopting a dog or cat may help ameliorate some of the symptoms and effects of chronic stress.