Stress is a person’s physical, mental or emotional response to change or demand. The different types of stress include acute, episodic and chronic. Acute stress is your reaction to pressures or anticipated pressures of the recent past and near future, respectively. It’s short-term stress and includes everyday situations like traffic or having an argument. Episodic stress is frequent, acute stress. Usually those with episodic stress have constant nervous energy, have too much going on in their life that they cannot seem to get their head above water, are irritable and impatient or are always worrying about life. Chronic stress results in feeling hopeless about escaping a situation(s) that is depressing, painful or traumatic over extended amounts of time. Being homeless, feeling trapped in a job you hate, or challenging family dynamics can lead to chronic stress.

Stressors don’t always carry a negative connotation. There can be both positive (eustress) and negative stress (distress) in everyday life. Eustress can be the thrill of a rollercoaster ride, beginning a new job or having a baby — all positive life events that create normal, nervous or overwhelmed reactions. Distress is the opposite and includes negative stressors like experiencing a death, having a car accident or work or relationship conflict.

Adaptogens are natural substances that may help the body adapt to physical and emotional stressors. They have been used for thousands of years and are thought to promote calming and mood-balancing qualities. Common adaptogens include ashwagandha, eleuthero, passionflower and rhodiola — all of which are in Bliss.*

Bliss contains herbal ingredients like L-theanine that have been shown in studies to help relax or reduce stress without the side effect of drowsiness. For example, L-theanine does not produce theta brain waves, which are associated with drowsiness. Instead, studies show it helps support alpha brain waves, promoting a state of relaxation and focus.*

Also known as the ''happy'' or ''feel-good'' brain chemical, the neurotransmitter serotonin plays a key role in the central nervous system and digestive system as it sends messages and signals between nerve cells. In the brain, extensive research suggests that serotonin is heavily involved in mood regulation. When serotonin levels are low, many people experience poor or imbalanced mood symptoms. When serotonin levels are healthy, people are more likely to experience calmer, more focused and more stable moods. Like serotonin, dopamine is a neurotransmitter. Research shows dopamine has several functions in the brain, including its effect on a person’s feelings of reward and motivation, memory, attention and body movement. Low levels of dopamine in the body have been shown to alter mood, reducing feelings of motivation and enthusiasm. GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter that controls functions in your body and mind. Along with glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, balanced levels of these neurotransmitters are associated with relaxing the body and mood regulation.*

While Bliss is formulated to help adapt to stress and balance mood, it is not a cure for stress. Other ways to help manage stress include recognizing signs of how your body responds to stress, as they may indicate you are not coping with situations in ways that benefit your health. Common physical and psychological symptoms of stress may include irritability or anger, feeling nervous or worried, lack of interest or motivation, feeling tired, feeling overwhelmed, feeling sad, upset stomach and muscle tension. You can also try activities like exercise, which may boost your mood, or things that promote relaxation, like yoga. Additionally, having a support network of friends and/or family may be a helpful way to help manage stress levels. When you feel overwhelmed and don’t think you can cope, reach out to a health care professional for help. They may help provide you with resources and recommendations.