Page 15 - Dr Pamela Peeke

Stress: It's Not Just In Your Mind

By: Doug Jensen

According to most estimates, between 60 and 90% of all So it is essential that we make time to balance this with
illnesses are stress related. Stress robs us of our energy sedentary periods for rest and recovery. When stressful situ-
and reduces the quality of our lives. The benefits of stress ations are prolonged to the point where the rest and digest
management are obvious, but dealing effectively with stress response is inhibited, the following symptoms often appear:
takes more than just a shift in our attitudes. It involves un-
derstanding how stress affects the body and finding ways to • insomnia
naturally reverse its effects. • indigestion
• inability to relax
How stress affects the body • irritability
• reduced mental functioning (listening, remembering, and
Our bodies are beautifully equipped to automatically react thinking clearly).
to emergency situations. Once a threat is recognized, the While these symptoms are usually not treated, they should
Autonomic Nervous be taken as warning
System (ANS) signs of potentially
immediately pre- more severe prob-
pares the body for lems. If the stress
increased physi- that brought about
cal activity. Some those symptoms be-
of the changes in comes chronic, it can
the body include lead to:
a quickened heart
rate and increased • high blood pressure
blood pressure. • headaches
This preparation for • dependencies on
physical action is alcohol, cigarettes or San Diego
called the fight or drugs Woman
flight response, and • heart disease
the ANS invokes • neurosis (e.g.,
this response in depression, anxiety, 15
the presence of phobias)
stress. Its intent is • compromised im-
to rally our physi- mune system
cal strength so that • premature aging.
we can fight off an
adversary or flee quickly. Each of us reacts differently to stress, but in general, when
we push ourselves too hard for too long, there can be seri-
Historically this response served man well; when hunting and ous consequences.
protection from wild animals was a central concern. Al-
though today's threats are more psychological than physical, Life-style routines that reduce stress
we still react to stress in the same way.
Our body's ANS can quickly and efficiently invoke either
A delicate balance the fight or flight response or the rest and digest response
without any conscious direction on our part. However,
The ANS has a second and equally important role: to calm since these responses are automatic, we can't simply tell
the body so that it can rest, heal, and perform sedentary our bodies how we want them to respond. When stress is
activities like digesting food. This is called the rest and digest encountered, chemicals are released into the body – such as
response. The rest and digest response works in opposition adrenaline - which inhibits our ability to relax.
to the fight or flight response, which stimulates the body for
action. That is why it isn’t a good idea to eat a big meal and Fortunately, we can reduce the negative effects of stress by
then immediately begin a strenuous workout. Our bodies are maintaining a healthy life-style and approaching our hectic
simply not equipped to invoke two opposing responses at the lives in a constructive way. A strong body is less likely to
same time. succumb to stress-related illnesses. Further, when we find
ways to approach life constructively, our stress levels natu-
We live in a time where stress is a normal part of our lives. rally remain lower.
Issue 2, 2009