Stress: What, Exactly Is Stress? What does it do to people (and how can tell if it's doing it to me)?
By award-winning author and stress-relief expert Susie Mantell
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 wellbeing.
The Human Stress Response: Fight or Flight...
Perhaps you've heard stories of a 5' 2" mother suddenly lifting a car to save her baby. That is the "Fight or Flight" response of the central nervous system that occurs whenever stress, fear, anger or pain are present. In this case, it is working for her, but that is not always the case. In this automatic reaction, pulse quickens and blood flow to the large muscle groups increases. It is as if we are literally preparing to do battle or run for our lives! Respiration quickens and becomes shallow, and stress hormones release to help us do what we must.
When these resources are summoned unnecessarily and habitually due to excessive stress levels, our body sends an "emergency" signal that sets in motion a mechanism that can tax our intricate systems. Many experience sleeplessness or fatigue, depression and back pain due to stress. Irritability, nightmares and absence of laughter in our day can indicate stress, too. A racing heartbeat, sweaty palms and over/under eating are more signs that someone may be manifesting the stress in their lives physically.
Stress is Cumulative, but Stress-Reduction is Too
Ongoing daily meditation and other stress-relief practices are like money in the bank for a rainy day. Unaddressed stress can compromise health, suppress immunity, depress mood, drain confidence, deplete self-esteem, tax personal relationships as well as entire organizations. Some stressors are obvious. But there are others of which we may not be aware such as ambient noise, poor air quality, food sensitivities, unpleasant or toxic smells, visual over-stimulation, and fatigue. Stress has cumulative, compounding impact.
Positive, constructive responses to both internal and external stressors may provide more:
• Inner calm and serenity
• Enhanced wellbeing
• Increased job satisfaction
• Energy, optimism and hope
• Ability to experience joy and overall quality of life
• Healthy, happy personal and professional relationships
• Efficient use of nutrients and oxygenation of skin, hair and nails
• Endorphins, which diminish pain and elevate mood
• Likelihood of a healthier lifestyle, absent addictive behaviors
• Restful, peaceful restorative sleep
• Engaging and cheerful appearance, fewer wrinkles, etc.
Each of us must assume responsibility for lifestyle choices, including mindful nutrition, moderate (if any) use of caffeine and alcohol, deep restful sleep, healthy, meaningful relationships and regular, pleasurable recreation and exercise.
Mindful relaxation and meditation ...
are kind of physiological self-regulator, to counter the "Fight or Flight" response. 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! (See many specific stress-relief tips at www.relaxintuit.com )
[Copyright 2000, 2008 Susie Mantell, Relax. . .Intuit (tm) LLC. All rights reserved.] Federal law prohibits use of this material in whole or in part without the express written consent of Relax...Intuit™ LLC. For Reprint Permission: Kindly email your request for guidelines, pasting in the full text of the specific article you wish to use, to info@relaxintuit.com We'll try to reply within 72 hrs.]
Award-winning stress-relief expert Susie Mantell ...is the author of the deeply soothing relaxation CD, "Your Present: A Half-Hour of Peace,” clinically approved for symptoms associated with stress and sleeplessness, depression and grief, anxiety, P.T.S.D., Fibromyalgia, caregiver stress, cancer, pain, divorce and addiction recovery. Featured in The Los Angeles Times, NBC, ABC, CBS-TV, Town & Country, The American Pain Society, Hazelden and The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, listeners include The Mayo Clinic, Memorial Sloan-Kettering, The Betty Ford Center, V.A. Hospitals,and Canyon Ranch (#1 Spa.) Customizing stress-reduction for Fortune 500 companies, distinguished hospitals and spas, Mantell has facilitated thousands in relieving health-related, work-related, chronic or traumatic stress. Her multi-sensory, mind-body techniques appear in national media, medical and corporate publications. Susie Mantell's Stress-Relief & Wellness Tips are intended as an adjunct to, not a substitute for, professional health care. Order “Your Present: A Half-Hour of Peace” and find more of Mantell’s stress-relief tips at www.relaxintuit.com