What is stress?
Stress is caused when we react to situations in our internal and external environment. It can cause exhilaration, excitement, distress, or fatigue, and can manifest itself physically, mentally and emotionally. It is not the situations that are stressful; it is our reaction to the situation that causes us stress. Stress is a natural part of life, as it provides a stimulus for action.
When faced with any threat or pressure, the body and mind go on high alert, preparing either to fight off the danger or flee from it. This is the ‘fight or flight’ response. This response developed over 1000’s of years to protect our ancestors and was key for their survival. We still depend on this reflex to survive; however a problem develops when we forget to release the tension. We undergo repeated and continual bombardment of potential stressors, from being startled by a loud noise to being caught in a traffic jam to worrying about bills, constantly triggering our ‘fight or flight’ reflex, leaving us in a state of constant tension. Over time, we get so used to these reflexes that we do not even notice when they occur.
Physiologically, our ‘fight or flight’ reflex triggers an automatic chain of events that prepare our mind and body for response. Adrenal hormones, such as adrenaline and other stress hormones flood into the body causing the heart to beat faster, blood pressure to rise, the muscles to tense, vision to become more acute and we become more alert. Sweating increases to cool the body and extra insulin is produced to metabolize energy. All of these changes prepare the mind and body to meet an emergency.
The Consequences
First off, stress is not ‘bad’. Extra adrenaline improves performance in competitive events and is responsible for the ‘rush’ of excitement we feel when we receive good news. But prolonged or overwhelming stress can result in many problems, including:
Lowered immune response
Excess stress compromises our immune system, leaving us vulnerable to everything from colds to cancer and making it difficult to heal. Asthma, arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, and intestinal disorders are among the many diseases worsened by stress.
Increased nutritional needs
The body often needs considerably more of certain vitamins and minerals because of the high level of daily physical and/or psychological stress we endure. To make matters worse, our gastrointestinal tract is often adversely affected during times of stress, leading to poor digestion and absorption of nutrients.
Stress related disorders
Constant triggering of the ‘fight or flight’ response leads to adrenal fatigue and exhaustion, causing many imbalances in the body. Many common disorders caused by prolonged stress include: headaches, chronic fatigue, neck and back pain, nervous tics, menstrual and fertility problems in women and impotence in men.
Emotional problems
Everyone reacts differently to stress. Some people become withdrawn, others irritable, and still others feel nervous and powerless or out of control. Some have difficulty sleeping; others want to sleep all the time. Many find that things that once gave them pleasure are no longer fun.
Some Common Signs and Symptoms of Excess Stress
- Regularly walking, eating or working in a rushed way.
- Regularly thinking and worrying about the past or future.
- Frequent tension in the body (esp. neck, face, shoulders, back and chest, and stomach) which often goes unnoticed until one slows down, breathes deep and carefully surveys the body.
- Feeling the ‘weight of the world’ on your shoulders.
- Emotionally ‘on edge’.
- Regular tiredness during the day.
- Significant need for outside stimulation to feel good (coffee, sweeteners, food, sex, TV, alcohol, money, accomplishments, etc.)
The Goal
Occasional challenges, both physical and psychological, are not unhealthy for most people. Occasional challenging projects, arguments, difficulties with children, difficulties at work/school, etc. are a normal part of life. These types of stresses are normal and can actually be strengthening. The goal is not necessarily to avoid all stressful events, but to develop the ability to relax during day-to-day activities and during challenging occurrences (such as those mentioned above). Persons who are recovering from an illness should attempt to keep challenging situations to a minimum but not necessarily avoid them totally unless they are extremely weak.
THEREFORE, as part of the process of promoting health and vitality and preventing & healing from illness we teach techniques, including breathing & stretching techniques, meditation, and exercise, that gradually move us towards a daily life that is less stressful and more enjoyable and fulfilling. Ask one of our staff for details and start enjoying the stressors of life.
