Stress Response
Your body does not know the difference between good stress and bad stress. Both forms of stress have the same physiological response. Your body’s autonomic nervous system unconsciously controls your heart rate, breathing, digestion, vision changes, urination and sexual arousal. This is known as our fight and flight response.
When a person has been experiencing long term chronic stress, the constant on switch of the autonomic nervous system, regardless of whether or not you enjoy what you are doing, causes wear and tear to the body. Physical, emotional and behavioural symptoms develop such as:
aches & pains
exhaustion or trouble sleeping anxiety or irritability depression
panic attacks
sadness
stomach or digestive issues drinking too much or too often overeating
using drugs
compulsive behaviours - shopping, sex, exercise
Stress is not something we can avoid. There are ways to relieve stress. If you look at how chronic stress can impact you, then the ways to counter daily stress involves incorporating regular practices into your daily routine which counters the physical, emotional and behavioural symptoms.
Practices which support the relief of Physical symptoms are:
Exercise - walking, jogging, biking, swimming, dancing, soccer, basketball
Massage
Relaxation Activities - tai chi, yoga, qigong, muscle relaxation technique
Playing with your children or granchildren
Playing with a pet
Eating and drinking healthily and in moderation
Sleeping well and deeply
Gardening
Practices which support the relief of Emotional symptoms are:
Talk - friend(s), therapist, partner, spiritual advisor
Journal
Creative Expression - paint, write, music, draw, photography
Gratitude practice, prayers
Articulate your feelings in a way that they are heard and supported
Ask for help when you need it
Practices which support the relief of Behavioural symptoms are:
Meditation, Activation, Deep Breathing
Mindfulness
Connecting with people that make you happy & support you
Laughing - movie, friends, partner, pets
Problem Solving your concerns
Learning to say no and set boundaries
Clarity of what you are and are not ableto control
Learning to let go
Expressing love and appreciation
The more practice we have in supporting our body, mind and emotions to respond in a relaxed manner, the better able we are to call on this response during a stressful situation. Ultimately, this is the goal we are working towards. Stress can not be avoided. It is how we learn to cope in stressful circumstances which makes the difference.