We generally think of stress as a blanket term, but in reality, stress shows up in many forms and can impact our well-being in more ways than we realize.
First off, let’s define stress.
Put simply, stress is a reaction to a change or challenge.
In more detailed terms, stress happens when you experience a stimulus that triggers your brain enough to send specific signals and chemicals throughout your nervous system. When this happens, your kidneys release stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, which set off a series of events that alert your entire body that “danger” is present. As these hormones course through our bodies, they can cause an array of side effects.
Sweaty palms, an uneasy stomach, and general nervousness are all symptoms that we recognize. They might pop up on a first date, before a presentation, or as you’re about to get on a rollercoaster. These are all forms of acute stress, or short-term stress. Our body is equipped to handle acute stress because it’s only temporary.
Chronic stress is what can cause issues. The Pandemic, death, divorce, job loss, parenting, poverty, discrimination, abusive relationships, and stressful jobs can all be sources of chronic stress. In fact, even if you experience acute stress frequently enough, it can turn into chronic stress.
Why is chronic stress so much worse for the body? Basically, the longer and more frequently that you experience stress, the more your body has to adjust to keep functioning normally. Over time, your resting heart rate will increase, as will your blood pressure, breathing rate, and levels of muscle tension. In other words, chronic stress creates a new “normal” inside your body, which can lead to serious health consequences.
How do you feel like stress affects your life? What about your physical health? Do you feel like you regularly experience symptoms of stress?
I know that one of the keys to managing stress is befriending it instead of resisting it and we do this through meditation and mindfulness.
Message me here for my most recent “5 Second” Meditation. This meditation is a tool you can use 24/7 to relieve your stress and anxiety.
And, if you are not a member yet of the Facebook Group; Badass Healthy Women, a great group of women seeking health and wellness; join here to get more tools and information to relieve stress.
If you are needing some more ideas and tools to reduce your stress, let’s chat! This quick call will elevate your health to a higher level — so you decrease anxiety and stress that can lead to serious health issues and instead you feel great and live your most empowered, strong and vibrant life.
And don’t forget if you haven’t already, join the community for more fun and wellness.
xo,
Christine
#nourishmovemeditate
May You Be Well, May You Be Happy, May You Be Peaceful
