Stress– we all feel it at some point. Whether it stems from long days at the office, screaming little ones at home, or just being overwhelmed by life, stress can take its toll on our bodies and mood. When stressful situations arise, our brain releases stress hormones (adrenaline and cortisol) that trigger your body's "fight or flight" mode. These heart-pumping hormones can seriously affect your body from head to toe, including gut issues, breakouts, hair thinning, chest pain, anxiety, heart problems, and depression. Not only that, but studies show that stress affects Americans even more than ever. 60% of adults are reportedly more stressed than one year ago.

StyleSeat surveyed 1,200 Americans about their stress levels and found the average adult in the US spends $260 on stress treatments, from doctor bills to massage therapy. Of those surveyed, 80% told StyleSeat they experience changes in energy levels due to stress, and 49% reported trouble with digestion. 

Top Common Physical Symptoms of Stress Reported include:

• Decrease in energy levels
• Stomach and digestion issues
• Skin issues
• Headaches
• Sleep issues
• Muscle tension & muscle fatigue
• Bloating
• Hail loss/thinning

When it comes to pesky visible stress symptoms — ones that are more obvious to those around you — 32 % of Americans reported that skin issues were the most common, and 16 % said hair thinning, all due to stress! 

So, how are we all coping with so much stress?

According to StyleSeat, most adults manage stress through basic lifestyle shifts, like more sleep, exercise, massage therapy, and a little help from health supplements. Although there isn't a magic pill to make all stress disappear (we wish there were), there are ways to combat stress and help get you back to good.

Best Supplements For Stress-related Symptoms

Ashwagandha For Stress Relief

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an evergreen plant with yellow flowers native to Southern Asia and North Africa. Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, an herb that improves an individual's ability to cope with stress. Also referred to as "Indian Ginseng" and "Winter cherry", Ashwagandha has been used for over three centuries in Ayurvedic medicine (the traditional system of medicine in India) to decrease anxiety, increase energy, and improve overall health. This non-toxic, herbal cure-all has many health benefits when digested, but it's best known for relieving stress and helping elevate mood.

Checkable's Stress Less Ashwagandha supplements are made of a proprietary blend of ashwagandha + Black Pepper for stress relief and mental clarity. We use 1300 mg of natural organic ashwagandha root and 10 mg of organic black pepper to help the body absorb and get the full effect of the ashwagandha. When taken daily, this wonder plant should have you smiling and stress-free in no time. 

Collagen for Stress

Collagen has a ton of beneficial effects that have been studied and backed by science. Collagen is a major component of your skin and plays an integral role in strengthening skin, as well as in elasticity and hydration. Collagen supplements work by stimulating your body to produce more collagen on its own. It also promotes the production of other proteins like elastin and fibrillin, improving skin quality and appearance. 

Along with a healthy lifestyle, collagen supplements like Checkable's Glow & Grow can help with all your stress-related skin, hair, and nail issues. Our collagen complex was expertly formulated with the perfect blend of Type I, II, III, V, and X collagen proteins. It takes a few weeks to notice the changes but be patient. All good things come to those who wait.

Melatonin for Stress

Melatonin is a natural hormone that is produced by the pineal gland in the brain and is responsible for regulating your body’s circadian rhythm (sleep cycles) as well as your body’s internal clock. Although it is often thought of just for sleep, melatonin supplements may be used to treat mild anxiety. Studies indicate that the same calming effect that helps with sleep also reduces nerves that cause anxiety.

Our great-tasting Sleep Easy Melatonin gummies are designed to help you fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up feeling refreshed. Checkable's propriety formula uses a hybrid of natural sleep aids and vitamins, including melatonin, vitamin B6, and natural Passiflora extract, which will help adjust your internal body clock to nudge you to sleep gently. 

Apple Cider Vinegar for Stress

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is a liquid made from fermented apple juice mixed with yeast and "good" bacteria that eventually becomes vinegar, an acetic acid. ACV is an excellent booster to aid in stress-related digestion issues, including reflux, bloating, and your overall metabolism. 

The best way to incorporate apple cider vinegar into your health routine is to eat Checkable Apple Cider Vinegar gummies. Taking ACV in gummy form reduces any potential side effects that all liquid vinegar has, like tooth erosion and burning of the throat. Plus, they happen to taste great!

If you're reading this, you're likely stressed in some way, so just know you're not alone, and hopefully, some of these remedies help! Try one, try all, just try...and show yourself some love.