The Stress Response
In today's culture the fight or flight response can activated so often it can cause health problems. You may be feeling stressed out with too much to do and not enough time? Perhaps you’ve have had a fight with a friend or family member, or your job is getting to you and you are worried about your finances? Whatever the stress may be, it is activating your stress response. While the fight or flight response serves as a protective function in emergencies – especially physical threats; many of today’s causes of stress are emotional – and hence our response may not be the most appropriate way to manage stress! Here we look at the stress response, and how this can lead to chronic stress and stress related illnesses. You don't need to be passive to the effects of stress. Take action today to deal with actively and effectively with your stress. What is the stress responseThe stress response serves an important function and has been in important for the survival of the human race. Our ancestors who narrowly escapes the jaws of a saber-tooth tiger thanks to the boost of adrenaline that stopped him being today’s meal. But surely it is different today? We need stress about as much saber-tooth-hunting gear, right? Wrong. Just the other day I was reminded how important the stress response is. Walking down the street, in my own little world…ironically thinking about this website, I stepped off the curve of the road without looking. Suddenly I was assailed by the sound of tires screeching as the driver jammed on his brakes and pumped his horn. In that moment my stress response was activated – my muscles tensed, my heart started to pump, and I was suddenly very alert – with the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol kicking in. In this split moment my body had mobilized all its available resources to deal with the immediate emergency. What are some of the saber-tooth tigers of today’s worldWe have all heard stories of little old ladies lifting cars of children, and other superhuman feats of strength that are put down to the effects of adrenaline and the stress response. While many of us don’t have to face life-threatening stressors, we do live in a world that can be every bit as threatening. Main Causes of Stress However, the today's main causes of stress are not physical, but emotional. It may be the boss yelling at you, or you've lost your keys again, or are stuck in traffic...late for an important meeting. The predators of today’s world are very different causes of stress than what our ancestors faced. In a national poll conducted by the American Psychological Association, Americans rated the main causes of stress as financial concerns, family responsibilities, work stress and the state of the economy. Whatever it may be…whenever you get annoyed, frustrated or angry – these may be times when the stress response is activated. What If You Can’t Turn the Stress Response Off?Look on the front cover of any national paper, turn on the TV or browse the internet, and the news is full of stressful events. You have to be on a very small island in the middle of the Atlantic not to know that stress is a fact of life...BUT stress does not have to be a way of life! Life can be challenging, trying to balance work and relationships, and the constant worries about finances and the things outside our control. This means the stress response can be turned on a lot of the time. While you may think you are traveling well - adapting to the higher and higher stress levels, you could simply be living with an unhealthy amount of chronic stress. If you don't get rest, recuperation or relaxation then this will lead to fatigue, exhaustion and stress related illnesses. Unrelenting Stress = Fatigute, Exhaustion and Illness When stressed, you may notice you break out in a sweat, have increased muscle tension and that your heart pounds. Thse are some of the symptoms of the fight or flight response, the alarm phase of the general adaptation syndrome (GAS). Over time you may adapt to the stressor, building up resistance. This is known as the resistance or the adaptation stage. But you may be living with an unhealthy level of stress. Without rest, recuperation or relaxation, your body may enter the final stage, exhaustion and eventual death. Chronic stress results in poorer stress health and stress related illnesses. By knowing your individual stress signature - those tell-tale warning signs and symptoms of stress, you can nip stress in the bud a stress management technique that works for you. Is your stress leading to stress related illnesses?Your body’s constant state of alert can affect your ability to work effectively, develop and sustain relationships and affect your overall health.
Having and understanding of the effects of stress on your health can help to develop a rationale for your stress management – which maximizes your chances of mastery over your stress! Counter the stress response with relaxation techniquesThe stress response burns plenty of energy - and if this stays turned on it can be like your car idling along with too many RPM - burning too much gas! If you keep it going, you will find it harder to maintain peak performance in your work or other areas of life. The relaxation response can counter the effects of the stress response by activating the parasympathetic nervous system - bring your body back to its much needed homeostasis.
 Breathing exercises are one of the simplest and most effective stress management techniques. When the stress response is activated you tend to breathe rapidly. This can be a time that you can use calming breaths to bring your mind and body back to it’s natural equilibrium. These breathing exercises can have a calming effect and promote a deep sense of relaxation.
You don’t have wear robes and sit on top of a mountain to benefit from mindfulness meditation. By adopting a mindful attitude to the causes of your stress, and to life in general, you may develop a greater awareness of your mind and body.
 Exercise is a great way to relieve your body of the accumulated stress hormones. Not only can you lose weight and get into a better physical condition, exercise can be a great way for you to relieve stress and feel better about yourself. Here are a number of exercises-and-stress that you can do for stress relief.
Have you ever been told to "Relax". Perhaps it was your partner who was noticing you getting frustrated, or a dentist before starting the drill. While you may have been told to relax, it is unlikely you were told how to relax. Progressive muscle relaxation has been shown to activate the relaxation response, which counters the effects of stress. Related Articles
Emotional Effects of Stress: Recognize the Emotional Effects of Stress on your Mind and Body Time Management: Time Management Techniques for Stress Relief Self Hypnosis: Deal with Stress through Self Hypnosis Stress Causes: Monitor your Causes of Stress with this Worksheet Definition of Stress: What is and Adequate Stress Definition Physical Effects of Stress: Recognize the Physical Effects of Stress on your Mind and Body
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