STRESS

The Effects it Has on Body and Mind

When our body senses that we are beginning to get stressed out, our brain registers this and shifts our body into high gear.  The body is then flooded with stress hormones like epinephrine and nor epinephrine, our heart rate increases and the blood flow in our body is diverted to our muscles, away from digestion and other body functions.  Small doses of stress can be very good for us giving our body the body the energy to rise and meet a challenge. 

However, danger occurs when our body is under constant stress. Chronic stress can cause all sorts of health problems from weight gain and depression, to heart disease and cancer.

Problems and Stress Symptoms

• Clogs arteries
• Weakens immune system
• Shrinks the brain
• Impedes memory acquisition
• Dulls judgment
• Can lead to anger
• Problems with sexual reproduction
• Shortens life
• Difficulties with prenatal development
• Increases fat deposits around the stomach
• Stress is linked to an increase of cancers rate of progression.

De-stressing Techniques

• Time Management Skills

• Optimism\Evaluate all options

• Social support system/Verbalizing what is wrong

• Volunteer / Help others

• Do something fun - see a movie, play with a pet or go for a walk

• Cut down on caffeine and sugar

• Quit smoking

• Develop good eating habits

• Exercise regularly

• Develop relaxation techniques

• Get sufficient sleep

The second response to stress that occurs in our body is a release of the hormone cortisol.  If our body is in a constant state of stress it continues to release this hormone.  This stream of cortisol into our system actually shrinks the hippocampus, effecting our memory and  mental capacity.  Pregnancy can also be put at great risk by chronic stress.  When yu are pregnant and stressed, blood is diverted from the uterus to other parts of the body causing distress to the baby and problems in prenatal development and birth.

It is impossible to alleviate stress from our lives.  Regardless of who you are everybody feels some kind of stress.  The important issue is not to get rid of the stress but to learn how to deal with it appropriately.  As we train our body and minds to better manage stress, we will become happier and healthier people who live more fulfilled lives.