Stress & Health Q: "What does stress do to people, and how can I tell if it's doing it to me? I never sleep!"
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 well-being.
Perhaps you've heard stories of, say, a 5' 2" mother suddenly lifting a car to save her baby? That's the "Fight or Flight" response of the central nervous system that occurs whenever stress, fear, anger or pain are present...in this case working FOR her! In this automatic reaction, pulse quickens, blood flow to the large muscle groups increases (as if literally preparing do battle ...or run for our lives!) Respiration quickens and becomes more shallow, and stress hormones release to help us do what we must.
But when these resources are summoned unnecessarily and habitually, due to excessive stress levels over say, a traffic jam, it 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. Racing heartbeat, sweaty palms and over/under eating are more signs that someone may be manifesting the stress in their lives physically.
First, the obvious: 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.
Meditation and other relaxation techniques may not necessarily cure, but they are a powerful, drug-free complement to professional health care. Symptoms can often be substantially diminished, thereby greatly enriching the quality of life!
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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