Stress sends messages to the autonomic nervous system in our bodies. This part of the nervous system is not under our conscious control and is divided into two parts: the Sympathetic and the Parasympathetic.
The Sympathetic Nervous System when activated by stress increases the heart rate, speeds breathing, secretes adrenaline and decreases digestion, Stress is necessary and normal but continued strain on your body from chronic stress may lead to serious health problems, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, anxiety disorder, and other illnesses.
The counterbalance to stress is the activation of the parasympathetic fibers of the "rest and rejuvenation" nervous system. as these fibers become active the heart rate decreases, the breath rate decreases and digestion increases.
Stress sends messages to the autonomic nervous system in our bodies. This part of the nervous system is not under our conscious control and is divided into two parts: the Sympathetic and the Parasympathetic.
The counterbalance to stress is the activation of the parasympathetic fibers of the "rest and rejuvenation" nervous system. as these fibers become active the heart rate decreases, the breath rate decreases and digestion increases.
Living life inevitably brings
along stressful situations whether caused by a major life change: moving house,
a loved one's illness or death, relationship strains. Stress can also be caused
by problems at work. pressure in sport and health concerns.
Stress sends messages to the autonomic nervous system in our bodies. This part of the nervous system is not under our conscious control and is divided into two parts: the Sympathetic and the Parasympathetic.
The Sympathetic Nervous System when
activated by stress increases the heart rate, speeds breathing, secretes
adrenaline and decreases digestion, . Stress is necessary and normal
but continued strain on your body from chronic stress may lead to serious
health problems, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes,
depression, anxiety disorder, and other illnesses.
The counterbalance to stress is
the activation of the parasympathetic fibers of the "rest and
rejuvenation" nervous system. as these fibers become active the
heart rate decreases, the breath rate decreases and digestion increases.
Take time to get these two parts of
your body's nervous system back into balance
Here are 10 things you can do to help reduce stress levels.
1. Take time out to sit down and think
about what is causing you to feel stressed, in some cases it may be obvious but
often you can convince yourself that something is not a problem when it
actually is.
2. Assess signs of your body's response
to stress, you may have difficulty sleeping, your alcohol intake may have
increased along with substance use, Are you easily angered? Do you feel
depressed, and having low energy. If you are a woman you're periods may be
affected. Do you have muscular pain? Becoming self aware of the negative
impacts of stress on your body may motivate you to take steps to change things
3. Unaddressed health concerns can
raise stress levels, if you are worried about your health make time to see
proper health care for existing or new health problems
4. While you are in a state of stress overload
learn to say NO to new task. Look at your to do list and put in order of
priority. Decide what must get done and
what can wait. getting the list out of
your head and on to paper may help relax your mind.
5. Set realistic goals to aim for to
accomplish tasks, not too many in one day. Note what you have accomplished at
the end of the day, not what you have been unable to do.
6. Make time for you, plan regular
times for health and relaxation. Include focused mind and body classes such as
yoga or tai chi.
7. For a practical reduction of stress
levels get a massage. Massage provided with medium pressure has been shown
to increases parasympathetic nerve response helping to restore balance
between the two systems.
8. Exercise regularly-just 30 minutes
per day of gentle walking can help boost mood and reduce stress.
9. Talk about it: communicate with
people who can provide emotional and other support. Ask for help from friends,
family, work colleagues and any relevant community organisation to help reduce stress due to work burdens or
family issues, such as caring for a loved one.
10. Stress can cause feeling of being overwhelmed,
of not being able to cope, possibly having suicidal thoughts, it may lead to
using drugs or alcohol as a false support. If you are having these feeling it
is important to seek help from a qualified mental health care provider.
Stress can be reduce and body balance
restored, the benefits are well worth the efforts involved.