Understanding Stress
Stress, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), is a state of worry or mental tension caused by difficult situations. It is a natural human response that prompts us to address challenges and threats in our lives. From a scientific perspective, Dr. Joe Dispenza describes stress as living in survival mode, where the inability to predict or control outcomes triggers this state.
Causes of Stress
Stress can be caused by a variety of activities and events, including:
- Work-related pressures: Project deadlines, office workload, job insecurity.
- Financial issues: Debt, unexpected expenses, lack of financial stability.
- Relationship problems: Divorce, breakups, conflicts with family or friends.
- Life changes: Moving to a new place, planning a wedding, having a baby.
- Health issues: Personal illness, caring for a sick family member.
- Traumatic events: Accidents, natural disasters, the loss of a loved one.
- Daily hassles: Traffic jams, arguments, minor inconveniences.
What Happens During Stress?
When faced with a threatening situation, whether real or imagined, the body releases stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol to prepare for a fight-or-flight response. This response includes several physiological changes:
- Increased heart rate and respiration: To provide more oxygen to muscles so we can run/fight/hide.
- Pupil dilation: To see better, improved vision.
- Glucose release: To supply quick energy.
- Blood flow: is shunted to the extremities and away from our internal organs so we can move quickly if we need to.
- Immune system modulation: Initially heightened, then suppressed as adrenaline and cortisol flood the muscles, providing a rush of energy to either escape or fend off the stressor
- Cognitive focus shift: From rational thinking to instinctive reactions.
Handling Stress: Acute vs. Chronic
Humans are designed to handle short-term stress effectively. Historically, this response was beneficial for survival, enabling quick reactions to immediate dangers. And once the threat passed, the body returned to a balanced state. However, this is not the case in modern times as stressors are often constant and pervasive, leading to chronic stress.
Chronic stress occurs when the body remains in a heightened state of alertness due to ongoing stressors, such as a demanding job or strained relationships. This prolonged state can lead to numerous health issues because the body never returns to its balanced state (unless we are aware and conscious that we need to do so).
Effects of Chronic Stress
- Health deterioration: Prolonged stress can lead to various health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and weakened immune function.
- Mental health issues: Chronic stress is linked to anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders.
- Cognitive impairment: Persistent stress can cause the brain to function inefficiently, affecting memory, focus, and decision-making abilities.
- Energy depletion: Continuous stress exhausts the body’s energy reserves, leaving little for growth and repair.
Stress Mitigation Tools
Meditation
Meditation is a powerful tool for changing our internal state by helping us disconnect from stressors. By focusing inward and detaching from external stimuli, we can reduce the emotional and energetic ties to stress. This practice allows us to create new, positive mental and emotional patterns. You can read on meditation in my other blog here.
Breathwork
Breathwork, such as deep rhythmic breathing, helps move stored energy and recondition the body to a new mindset. Regular practice of breathing techniques can liberate stored emotions and reduce stress. There are many forms of breathwork spoken by experts that can help heal many conditions. You can choose what you need or comfortable with but the underlying message is to do some form for 15 minutes every day.
Holistic Healing Practices
One of the most effective ways I’ve found to transform my life positively is through a Lifestyle Transformative approach that incorporates Pranic Healing. This integrated method has built me to stay composed and resilient during challenging times. These tools, including pranic healing (read more here), can empower one to handle tough situations with a calm and steady mind.
Elevated Emotions and Immune System
Studies show that maintaining elevated emotional states like love, joy, and gratitude for even short periods can significantly enhance immune function. For example, experiencing these positive emotions for 30 minutes a day can increase IgA levels, an important antibody for immune defense, by 49.5%. These emotions can signal new genes to produce healthy proteins, leading to better overall health.
Conclusion
Stress is an unavoidable part of life, more so in today’s scenario. Hence it is more important to understand its causes and effects that will help us manage life better. By using tools like meditation and breathwork, and fostering positive emotional states, we can mitigate the harmful impacts of chronic stress and improve our overall well-being.
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References
- World Health Organization. (n.d.). Stress at the workplace. Retrieved from WHO website.
- Becoming Supernatural by Dr Joe Dispenza, on Stress.