Modern-day lifestyle can contribute to a myriad of discomfort in the body. It is estimated that 70% to 90 % of most doctor’s office visit in the United States are related to stress. Growing up I do not recall experiencing so much stress, today stress is common for young and old.
It is almost impossible not to experience stress, we race with time, we stand on long lines, and traffic has quadrupled creating long travel times, being a care giver, college life, lack of finances, successful career, balancing work and family and having a sense that there are not enough hours in the day to meet daily obligations.
Stress has the ability to create all kinds of discomfort in the body, during stressful period our body produces stress hormones called cortisol; this hormone helps regulate the blood pressure, cardiovascular function, also assist the body to properly utilize proteins, carbohydrates and fats; too much or too little of this hormone can lead to serious troubles.
During stressful event digestion is often compromised because blood rushes to the extremities helping with fight or flight response. Stress increases appetite causing weight gain, headache, muscle tension, upset stomach, sleep problem, fatigue, anxiety, even hair loss, depression low sex drive and more are associated with stress. How we handle stress is as important to help restore the body back to balance.
If chronic stress is experienced for a long period of time it can be detrimental to the body. During stress the body produces two hormones cortisone and estrogen any threat, attack, stressful situation this put demand on the adrenal glands to response.
Stress calls on different organs like the kidneys and adrenal glands, these organs have multipurpose roles, one of them is to secrete hormones. Adrenals balances the sodium and potassium in the blood, Increases blood sugar by counteracting insulin, controls mood, helps maintain our immune system, increase serotonin in the brain, increases liver detoxification and; these hormones fluctuate with stress.
Adrenal glands are not design to produce constant high amounts of cortisol, this chronic elevation can eventually cause the adrenal glands to become fatigue which may affect immune function, compromises bone density, moodiness, irritability, insulin resistance, insomnia, excessive worrying, agitation, inability to relax, feeling lonely, isolated or depressed, even nervous habits like nail-biting or pacing; stiff neck, aches and pains. I could strongly identify with some of those feelings in the past that was the result of decades of constant fight and flight as a result of a lack of balance in my life.
I will not take you back through the racy time and painful memories I endured that helped shape my life, instead I will share with you how I got rid of the physical and emotional pain, regained my sanity through wisdom that creates balance.
What is pain?
Pain gives us a signal that we need to make changes, for some it is easier to take a pain killer to suppress the pain and keep going. I have heard this expression “stress can kill you” I did not know how true it was until I became conscious of it, and it can happen to every one of us.
Possible causes of stress
- Studying for final exam
- Overworking
- Anxiety
- Helplessness
- Financial (excessive debt, foreclosure)
- Overwhelm
- Remaining in an unhealthy relationship (work, marriage, unfulfilling career)
- Loss of a loved one
- Hopelessness
- Frustration
- Divorce
- Juggling work and school
Possible solutions mind-body connection
- Daily meditation
- Deep breathing
- Find someone to confide in or look into psychotherapy
- Reiki session
- Use of steam room & sauna
- Go on a retreat
- Practice yoga
- Chiropractic care
- Learn to delegate
- Take time out to explore a hobby
- Massage therapy
- Volunteer this will help take the focus away from your issues
- Gratitude
- Journaling
- Listen to relaxing music
- Go to bed early to allow my body to regenerate itself
Stress if left untreated causes us to lose control and develop anger towards self or others; we can even rationalize how we are being victimized by the event that produced the stress. Anger is like we are drinking poison and we expect someone else to die and victimhood leads to powerlessness which can paralyze us and render us less productive. We can choose to be HAPPY and protect ourselves from illness or continue on the stress path that can shorten the quality of our lives. Having a moderate diet, exercising daily, drinking purified water, a good night sleep, taking supplement, successful career; needs to be balanced with some ME time (act as if I was not her) let people figure things out for themselves.
Stress = Sickness and Relaxation = Restoration.
Disclaimer: This article is intended to provide general educational information. Information provided should not be construed as medical advice or instruction. No action or inaction should be taken based solely on the contents of this information; instead, you should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to their health and well-being.
This article is not an attempt to practice medicine or provide specific medical advice, and should not be used to make a diagnosis or to replace or overrule a qualified health care provider’s judgment. Nor should readers rely upon my information if they might need emergency medical treatment. I strongly encourage readers to consult with a qualified health care professional for answers to personal questions. By writing this article I do not establish a doctor-patient relationship with the readers.
The information and opinions expressed here are believed to be accurate, based on the best judgment available to the author, and readers who fail to consult with appropriate health authorities assume the risk of any injuries.