What You’ll Learn: In this blog, we will discuss the key differences between occasional stress and identify how lifestyle choices may impact your stress levels. We will also explore the role of supplements in helping to support occasional stress, occasional anxiety relief and encouraging relaxation. This blog will provide knowledge to help you manage stress and enhance your well-being effectively. ‡
Sometimes, life can feel like a rollercoaster, right? One minute you’re cruising along and the next you’re white knuckling it through a deadline, a family situation or just that general feeling of being overwhelmed. We all experience those moments of occasional stress – the kind that pops up before a big presentation, during a hectic travel day or when life just throws us a curveball. But what happens when that occasional stress starts to feel less occasional?
Sometimes the usual coping methods of deep breathing, meditating or going for a gentle walk outside, just don’t cut it anymore. For some individuals, those things may help in the moment, but they may recognize the need for a little extra support as they navigate occasional stress and find their way back to a sense of calm.
In this blog, we’ll navigate lifestyle and supplemental strategies to help manage occasional stress and help facilitate anxiety relief so you can feel a little more relaxation in your day.‡
Occasional Stress vs. Anxiety
Before we jump into supplements, let’s take a step back and understand what we’re talking about. Occasional stress is that short-term feeling of being overwhelmed or pressured. It usually has a trigger – a specific event or situation – and it tends to fade once that trigger is gone. Think pre-interview jitters or the tension before a big family gathering.1
Occasional anxiety, on the other hand, is a little more complex than that. It is a more persistent sensation of feelings such as worry, nervousness or unease, often without a specific cause.2 While it’s easy to get occasional stress and anxiety confused, it’s important to work with your healthcare provider to help recognize the difference between the two and to determine appropriate steps to help promote optimal well-being as they know your health history best.‡
How Lifestyle Factors Influence Occasional Stress
Did you know daily habits may impact how we experience and manage occasional stress? Activities like frequently scrolling through our phone, staying up late watching TV, skimping on sleep or even choosing meals that are more grab-and-go than nourishing are lifestyle factors that may impact how we manage our occasional stress.3
Lack of sleep disrupts our body’s natural stress response system. Constant exposure to blue light stimulating screens keeps our nervous system on high alert. A diet lacking essential nutrients may leave us feeling depleted and less resilient to the onset of occasional stress.3
These seemingly small habits are why it’s crucial to take a good, hard look at our daily choices. Prioritizing sleep, incorporating mindful movement, nourishing our bodies with nutritious foods and setting boundaries with technology can create a stronger foundation for managing stress in the first place.
Nutrients for Support‡
Okay, now for the part we’ve all been waiting for: supplements. It’s important to remember that while supplements aren’t magic, certain nutrients and herbs have shown promise in supporting our bodies during times of occasional stress and promoting a sense of calm. Always speak with your healthcare practitioner to discuss which of these supplements are right for you and how to incorporate them into healthy lifestyle habits. Let’s explore some key nutrients and herbs that target occasional stress:
- Magnesium: Magnesium plays a crucial role in nerve function, muscle relaxation and regulating the body’s natural response system. Supplementing with magnesium, particularly forms like glycinate or citrate which are generally well-absorbed, may help support a calm, relaxed mood.4,5‡
- L-Theanine: L-Theanine is an amino acid. Commonly found in green tea, it is known for its calming yet non-drowsy effects. It’s believed to work by influencing neurotransmitters in the brain, promoting alpha brain wave activity, which is associated with relaxation. L-theanine can be a great option for taking the edge off without making you feel sleepy.6,7‡
- Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to help the body adapt to stress. Studies have shown ashwagandha may help moderate feelings of stress during stressful times.8,9‡
- B Vitamins: Like those found in our B Complex Plus are a group of essential vitamins that play a vital role in energy production and nerve function. When we’re stressed, our bodies use up B vitamins more quickly. Ensuring adequate intake of B complex vitamins can support neurological health.10 ‡
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Primarily known for their cardiovascular support, omega-3 fatty-acids, particularly EPA and DHA like those found in our EPA/DHA Essentials, have been shown to help support emotional wellness. They also play a role in brain health and cytokine balance, helping to support our physical stress response.11 ‡
Nutrients to Support Occasional Anxiety Relief
Now, I want to shine a light on a product that contains nutrients that have been shown to help promote anxiety relief. Pure Encapsulations® Daily Calm combines l-theanine, saffron, GABA and ashwagandha to relieve occasional stress and anxiety while supporting a positive, relaxed mood and emotional well-being. ‡
Our Daily Calm provides 15mg of affron®, a type of saffron. Research shows that saffron, a widely studied spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus, supports emotional well-being and positive mood.12,13,14 Plus, it’s been found that saffron supports sleep with continued use.15,16 ‡
Looking for a little faster support? Our Rapid Calm is designed to help you manage occasional stress quickly and effectively. With its unique blend of ingredients, you can experience a sense of relaxation in less than an hour, allowing you to help moderate general feelings of stress and occasional anxiety.‡
Together, these ingredients support multiple aspects of emotional wellness, helping to relieve occasional stress and anxiety while supporting a positive emotional outlook and sleep quality with continued use.‡
A Holistic Approach to Occasional Stress and Anxiety Relief
Ultimately, finding calm and managing occasional stress is a journey, not a destination. Holistic approaches like supplemental nutrients, herbs and vitamins, along with beneficial lifestyle choices can be incredibly helpful allies in your wellness journey as you support your body and mind.‡
By understanding the difference between occasional stress and more persistent feelings of anxiety, recognizing the impact of our lifestyle choices and exploring the supportive role of targeted supplements, we can all take more effective steps towards finding our center and navigating life’s inevitable bumps with greater ease and resilience.‡
If you’re just not sure where to start, check out our Mental Health and Stress Support products today to help get started on your wellness journey! ‡
1.American Psychological Association. Stress: The different kinds of stress. Available from: https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/types.
2. American Psychiatric Association. 5th ed. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing; 2013.
3. American Psychological Association. Stress management: Tips for reducing stress. Available from: https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/manage. Accessed May 2, 2025.
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6. Juneja LR, et al. Trends in Food Science & Technology.1999. 10; 199-204.
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8.Chandrasekhar K, et al. A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the efficacy and safety of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. Indian J Psychol Med. 2012;34(3):255-262. doi:10.4103/0253-7176.106022.
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