Simply put, stress is a signal that something needs to change. It's the body-mind's innate
response to internal and external factors that disrupt normal functioning or disturb
emotional, cognitive or physical well-being. Perhaps you've heard stories of, say, a 5'
2" mother suddenly lifting a car to save her baby? That's the "Fight or
Flight" response of the central nervous system that occurs whenever stress, fear,
anger or pain are present...in this case working FOR her! In this automatic reaction,
pulse quickens, blood flow to the large muscle groups increases (as if literally preparing
do battle ...or run for our lives!) Respiration quickens and becomes more shallow, and
stress hormones release to help us do what we must. But when these resources are summoned
unnecessarily and habitually, due to excessive stress levels, it sends an
"emergency" signal that sets in motion a mechanism that can tax our intricate
systems. Mindful relaxation, for example meditation, is a kind of physiological
self-regulator, to counter the "Fight or Flight" response and when we enter a
meditative state, muscles begin to relax, respiration and blood-flow slow, as adrenaline
and cortisol levels shift. This clearing process allows the inner wisdom of the mind-body
into awareness, often permitting some profound psychological and physiological healing to
take place. While meditation, moderate exercise and other relaxation techniques may not
necessarily cure, they are a powerful, drug-free complement to professional health care.
Symptoms can often be substantially diminished, thereby greatly enriching the quality of
life!
COULD YOU BE INCREASING YOUR OWN STRESS LEVEL?
Stress happens....to us all....every day. It is how we cope that will determine its
impact. How we experience an event... determines its "stress value" for us.
Here are 4 women's responses to the exact same event: A FLAT TIRE
-"Oh,no! This TOO MUCH! My life is ruined....Hello, 'Suicide Prevention'?"
-"What a pain! Oh well, I'll call AAA, and then get on with my day..."
-"Gee! Glad I took that Auto Shop class. This'll be a piece-a-cake!"
-"WOW! That AAA guy was a babe! This must be my lucky day!"
Internal Stress-Triggers are determined by individual bio-chemistry, (e.g. number of
endorphin receptor sites, heredity, predisposition toward addictive disease,
sensitivities/allergies, etc.)
External Stress-Triggers may be determined by conditioning (e.g. How your mom handled
stress), witnessing addictive behaviors acted out, environmental factors, relationships,
quality of life, the media, job satisfaction, etc. (FOR TEENS: Stress of Puberty includes
body issues and hormonal swings, acne, perspiration, exams, sexuality, over/under-eating,
family relationships, academic demands, authority and autonomy issues, peer pressure etc.)
HOW IS STRESS DANGEROUS?
Remember...Stress is cumulative, therefore its effects on health, inner peace,
relationships, and even appearance, are also cumulative. But so is Stress-Reduction.
Ongoing daily practices are just like money in the bank for a rainy day. Modifying our
response to both internal and external stressors may provide:
o Inner calm & serenity
o More efficient use of nutrients
o Better oxygenation of skin, hair and nails
o Release of endorphins which diminish pain and elevate mood
o Strengthened immunity
Unaddressed stress can compromise health, suppress immunity, depress mood, drain
confidence, deplete self-esteem, tax relationships and entire organizations. Some
stressors are obvious, but there are others of which we may not be aware, such as ambient
noise, air quality, food sensitivities, smells, visual over-stimulation, fatigue. Multiple
stressors have a cumulative effect, compounding and increasing impact.
FOUR WINTER STRESS TIPS
- Drink Plenty of Water We're not as naturally thirsty in cold weather, and tend to choose
hot beverages, which are harder to drink in quantity. Get in those vital, 8 glasses of
water to flush toxins, hydrate skin and aid digestion. Too much coffee makes us irritable,
distractible... which can produce scowls, frowns and knitted brows that push people away.
(Not to mention creating wrinkles!)
- Seasonal Affective Disorder ("S.A.D.") Many experience clinical winter blues.
If you suspect you're one of them, talk with a trusted healthcare professional.
It's real.and there are natural lights, herbal remedies such as St. John's
Wort and Kava available to help you through a slump, but get professional advice on
dosage, risks, contraindications, etc.
- Limit sugar and alcohol consumption. "Sugar Blues" are often confused with
clinical depression, illness or a common ailment known as "crabbiness." Tense?
Irritable? Depressed? Reducing caffeine, sugar and alcohol just may do the trick!
- Remind yourself to smile! Rushing along cold, windy streets, bundled up, head down, we
often forget to look others in the eye and connect. Smiling actually releases
endorphins-Yours AND theirs. Go ahead and smile.THEN move on and
"accomplish." The day you save could be your own! ?br>
NOTE: Relax...Intuit(tm)L.L.C. offers Susie Mantell's support as an adjunct to, but not a
substitute for, professional health care. Consult your personal physician regarding any
practices or suggestions that might in any way affect your health and safety.
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