Why do we focus so intensively on stress and trauma at epiAge? Because poor neuro-mental health causes ageing to the core of our cells. In fact, trauma not only affects individual health but may, in extreme cases, epigenetically burden further generations.
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No, this is not about encouraging you to eat nuts when you’re stressed… Although they certainly wouldn’t hurt, considering their high levels of B-vitamins, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids!
No, N.U.T.S. refers to the recipe for a perfect (stress) storm.
OK, we can see you shaking your head… What are we going on about?
N.U.T.S. is the recipe for stress developed by the “Centre for Studies on Human Stress” (CSHS) based at the Université de Montréal in Canada. The team headed by Professor Sonia Lupien has distilled the most crucial dimensions contributing to stress into 4 basic threats and the emotions they elicit:
1. N is for novelty
Perhaps it is your first time catering for the extended family at Xmas or your boss is off sick and you have to step into her shoes for a month? Yes, stress can arise out of the too much in everyday life, but it is usually the new that truly rattles us, as it forces us to develop new skills or find alternative resources.
2. U is for unpredictability
While some of us may enjoy the kick of confronting an unusual situation, most of us are creatures of habit. Of course, a chance encounter with a dragon on the way to work would probably trigger even the most hard-boiled among us, but it is often the little things that can send us into a tailspin. Whether it is arriving at your favourite coffee place and finding it closed or your kid suddenly coming down with a fever, it is a jarring note that forces you to improvise in an otherwise well-oiled routine.
3. T is for threat to the ego
Your knowledge or competence are being called into question? Whether it is your mother-in-law who criticises your housekeeping skills or a colleague who challenges your authority, the consequence will mostly likely be a rush of adrenaline and the impulse to defend yourself.
4. S is for sense of control
You find out that you have cancer, or you have just lost all your savings due to a bad investment? When you are thrust into a situation in which you seemingly have no leverage and cannot “do” anything, chances are that you will experience acute stress.
So, what can you do to avoid going N.U.T.S?
Find out in our next instalment!
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Source
“Recipe for Stress”. Centre for Studies on Human Stress. Online: https://humanstress.ca/stress/understand-your-stress/sources-of-stress/
“The University of Montreal and of human stress: Sonia Lupien“. The University of Montreal and of the world. Université de Montréal. Online: https://www.umontreal.ca/en/the-university-of-montreal-and-of-the-world/sonia-lupien/
Illustration
Miguel Á. Padriñán / pexels & epiAge
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