Stress
IS OFTEN CALLED OUR BODY’ FIGHT OR FLIGHT RESPONSE
It gets us ready to react to a situation (good or bad, positive or negative)
And when that situation is over, all systems ‘return to normal ‘ (to baseline)
Physically, everyone responds to stress in the same way.
Muscles Tense
Heart Rate Increases
Respiration (breathing rate) Increases
Stomach Does Flip Flops (butterflies)
Perspire More (and often need to go to the bathroom often)
And when the stressful event is over – all systems return to normal- back to a calm and relaxed feeling
But there are times- when the stress reaction does not return to baseline and becomes DISTRESS.
Experiencing pain or other annoying or frightening symptoms can be stressful.
Being in situations or with people who make us feel anxious can be stressful (are they really listening to what we are saying ?)
And being worried or anxious can keep our stress reaction in an ON position.
Some people may be more at risk of developing physical or emotional problems when they are constantly under stress.
They are more at risk for heart problems, for stomach ulcers, for tension headaches as well as other body aches.
Understanding the reasons for being under stress is the first step in managing the problem.
Therapies like meditation, relaxation and mindfulness may assist as well.
But unless the REASON for the stress is understood and better controlled, it will be difficult to make changes.
Become aware of how your body may respond to stress- and practice DOING something to change that feeling.
- Are you clenching your teeth? why?
- Are you worried about something? what?
- Are you tightening parts of your body?
Incorporating stress management techniques into your schedule 24/7 can often assist in better managing persistent pain and other ‘annoying feelings’.
