Escape the stress trap

Chronic stress has dire long-term health consequences – it is as bad for you as smoking and responsible for reducing our life expectancy.

Nearly half of people in Britain feel stressed most days, says the Mental Health Foundation, with 59% feeling more stressed than five years ago.

Adrenal hormones are the body’s way of giving instant energy – part of the ‘fight or flight’ system to enable our hunter ancestors to switch into top gear to catch dinner or avoid being caught. However, modern living constantly triggers a stress reaction. Adrenal hormones – adrenalin and cortisol – are produced either by a stressful thought, consumption of caffeine or a blood sugar dip. One in five take time off work because of stress.

So what can you do about it? We’ve launched a new page where you’ll find articles, books and events which help you resolve stress, build resilience and boost your energy through simple food and lifestyle adjustments. We call it The Stress Cure.