What actually happens in the body when we are stressed?
Why does prolonged stress often feel as if our battery is no longer charging properly despite a break?
And how can plant substances such as adaptogens help us to maintain our inner balance - without making us feel agitated or slowing us down?

In this blog article, you will find out how our body reacts biologically to stress, which three phases it goes through - and where adaptogens such as ashwagandha, rhodiola or reishi can provide targeted support.

The path of stress in the body - in three phases
The human body reacts to stress in a predictable sequence. This pattern was described by researcher Hans Selye back in the 1930s - and it still applies today:

1. alarm phase - the body kicks in
As soon as we are confronted with a stress factor - be it an argument, a deadline or too little sleep - the body activates its emergency program within seconds:
- Stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol are released.
- Heartbeat and breathing accelerate.
- The muscles tense up and energy is made available.
This reaction is vital for survival - it makes us quick to react, focused and efficient. This is helpful in the short term. But if the stress persists, the body has to shift into the next gear.

2. adaptation phase - persevering under constant stress
If the stress persists, the body switches to the so-called adaptation phase.
Now a delicate balancing act begins:
- The body tries to rebalance its systems.
- The stress hormones settle at a higher but more stable level.
- People “function” - but at the expense of their inner reserves.
In this phase, the first subtle warning signs often appear, such as a lack of concentration or poorer sleep, irritability - the famous “hat string” becomes shorter.
And this is precisely where adaptogens show their greatest strength:
They support the body in its ability to recover.

3. exhaustion phase - when the reserve is empty
If there is no regeneration and the stress persists, the exhaustion phase sets in. The system tips over - the body can no longer compensate. Symptoms such as
- Chronic fatigue and listlessness
- Immune deficiency (frequent infections)
- Inner emptiness or depressive moods
- physical complaints (e.g. digestion, skin, blood pressure)
are typical signs that the stress axes are overloaded.

In contrast to caffeine or classic sedatives, adaptogens do not have a one-sided effect:
They do not make you tired - and they do not push you uncontrollably.
They support the body exactly where it is out of sync - without overtaxing it.

Conclusion: stress is biological, but resilience can be trained
Stress is part of life - but how our body deals with it can be influenced.
Adaptogens are not miracle cures, but they can be part of a clever strategy that allows us to take early countermeasures before stress turns into exhaustion.
If you use them in good time - e.g. when you start to feel restless, have trouble sleeping or are constantly irritable - you give your system the chance to find its balance again.
In combination with exercise, good nutrition, mental hygiene and sufficient rest, adaptogens can be a valuable companion on the path to greater resilience.
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