Stress and the Body
Acute stress is the body's reaction to an immediate threat, whether it be real or perceived. This reaction is often referred to as the fight or flight response. Stressors such as physical or emotional trauma, or environmental factors such as noise, light and crowds can cause acute stress.
Many people think of stress as outside forces or experiences. In actuality, stress is the body's way of reacting to some type of change that calls for acknowledgement or correction. The body reacts to these changes with physical, mental
and emotional responses. The human body can adequately experience stress and react to it. Stress can be a positive thing, however too much stress or prolonged stress has negative effects on the body.
Acute stress is the body's reaction to an immediate threat, whether it be real or perceived. This reaction is often referred to as the fight or flight response. Stressors such as physical or emotional trauma, or environmental factors such as noise, light and crowds can cause acute stress. These and other stressors activate the part of the brain called the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis. This triggers the production and release of steroid hormones, particularly the primary stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol increases blood pressure so the body is prepared to confront or flee a threat due to the increased blood flow to the outer extremities.
Today's Stress Cure FactStress TipsExercises that improve cardiovascular function benefit the heart and lungs and affect the blood. This causes chemical changes in the body and the release of and balance of hormones that improve overall mood. Starting and sticking with a regular exercise plan also encourages a healthy concept of self, giving one a better outlook on things and a line of defense against stressors. There are also relaxation techniques, or exercises that are extremely helpful in managing and reducing stress. One such technique is trying to touch the shoulder to the ears. Hold for a few seconds and then let the shoulders drop. Rotate one shoulder toward the rear and then the other, do each shoulder up to ten times and then do both shoulders together.
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The hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis also activates the release of certain neurotransmitters called catecholamines, adrenaline in particular to aid in the response. If stress continues without any relief the body can and will react in a negative way. This distress may lead to symptoms such as headache, upset stomach, chest pain, and problems sleeping. Stress may not only contribute to existing symptoms or diseases but can possibly cause them. This type of stress that continues without any relief is called chronic stress.
While the release of certain hormones is helpful to the body on a short-term basis, it is important for the levels to return to normal after the perceived threat or stress has abated to restore homeostasis. The stress hormone Cortisol increases blood pressure, blood sugar and is an immunosuppressive, short term these can be helpful but over a period of time can cause physical harm. Increased levels of cortisol affect the immune, digestive and nervous system. The change in neurotransmitters and hormones also affects heart function, hormone balance and brain activity.
Symptoms of chronic stress are visible after a period of time. They are not always recognized as symptoms of stress though, since stress manifests itself in many different ways and varies from person to person. Some of the most common symptoms of stress include general aches and pains, headaches, muscle ache, indigestion, changes in eating or sleeping habits, fatigue, and sexual difficulties. Many people often try to combat these symptoms or control their
stress by smoking, drinking, or eating unhealthy foods causing further damage to the body. All of these factors may cause increased susceptibility to illness and infection. The onset of many conditions and diseases including, but not limited to depression, insomnia, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, ulcers and even some types of cancers have been linked to stress. There is evidence to suggest that somewhere between 70-90% of all doctor visits are due to stress related ailments or stress related complaints.
Companion Remedies for Stress, Anxiety, Depression
MindSoothe - Promotes balanced mood and feelings, as well as healthy levels of serotonin and other neurotransmitters
PureCalm - Aids nervous system in stress resistance for balanced moods and feelings of well being
Serenite Plus - Promotes healthy sleep and peaceful nights
Sleep Tonic - Helps maintain a healthy balance of all hormones involved in healthy sleep patterns
Managing Stress & Anxiety - A recent study showed that medical students who learned techniques used in this program significantly reduced stress. And blood samples revealed their immune systems became stronger the more they practiced the techniques!
Mood Tonic - Optimizes nervous system health and promotes balanced mood and peacefulness
Core Inner Strength - Through the focused attention made possible through professional hypnosis, you can begin to see your own worth, and attain your own optimum levels of self-esteem.
Nerve Tonic - Promotes nervous system health, maintains balanced mood and worry-free mind
The Calm Within CD - Offers professional relaxation, visualization and affirmation techniques for self-help and stress reduction
Beyond the Baby Blues - This 2-CD program is designed to lift your spirits, comfort your soul, and create the necessary balance needed while you are adjusting to your new life and new baby.
Natural Stress Cures for Today
11/13/2008
The Three Rivers Film Festival (Pittsburgh City Paper)
The 27th annual Three Rivers Film Festival, presented by Pittsburgh Filmmakers, continues through Nov. 22. The program of more than 40 films includes foreign-language works, American independents, documentaries, shorts, local works and experimental cinema, as well as a sidebar of Polish films. On Su... By CP Staff.
The Three Rivers Film Festival (Pittsburgh City Paper)
11/06/2008
The Three Rivers Film Festival (Pittsburgh City Paper)
The 27th annual Three Rivers Film Festival, presented by Pittsburgh Filmmakers, runs from Fri., Nov. 7, through Nov. 22. The program of more than 40 films includes foreign-language works, American independents, documentaries, shorts, local works and experimental cinema, as well as a sidebar of five... By CP Staff.
The Three Rivers Film Festival (Pittsburgh City Paper)
11/14/2008
This week is a good time to look around and Imagine (Stratford City Gazette)
Stephanie Martin-Smith Soul Purpose Remembrance Day has come and gone again, and it makes me wonder in our ever-changing world if the more things change the more they stay the same?
This week is a good time to look around and Imagine (Stratford City Gazette)
11/13/2008
Briefly in Tompkins (The Ithaca Journal)
The NY-Penn Blood Service, the blood collection headquarters for Tompkins County, reports an acute blood shortage in our region.
Briefly in Tompkins (The Ithaca Journal)
11/17/2008
Babsy: "how dare you be so (New Matilda)
Babsy: "how dare you be so condescending in your advice to Familypreservation … "counselling for your pain and bitterness." What would you know of such pain? To ridicule a mother’s pain and trivialise her feelings in such a smug manner is beneath contempt!" Your anger is misplaced - it is quite clear I feel that Rogue Queen was genuinely concerned. Babsy: "Can you honestly state just how ...
Babsy: "how dare you be so (New Matilda)
11/15/2008
Volunteer opportunities (Savannah Morning News)
Junior League of Savannah
Volunteer opportunities (Savannah Morning News)
11/15/2008
Volunteer opportunities (Savannah Morning News)
Junior League of Savannah
Volunteer opportunities (Savannah Morning News)
11/14/2008
This week is a good time to look around and Imagine (Stratford City Gazette)
Stephanie Martin-Smith Soul Purpose Remembrance Day has come and gone again, and it makes me wonder in our ever-changing world if the more things change the more they stay the same?
This week is a good time to look around and Imagine (Stratford City Gazette)
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