Stress:
It keeps you fat, sick, and tired. then it kills you.
It's all over the news...stress is bad.
But, what does this actually mean?
Put simply, stress kills you from a psychological and physiological standpoint
What occurs in the body when we are stressed?
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Fight or Flight Response (sympathetic arousal):
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An evolutionary, instantaneous biological and psychological response that tells use to either run away or fight the threat that is in front of us.
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A response system built for protection of acute (short-term) threats, not chronic threats (i.e., typical modern-day, longer-term stressors).
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Secretion of stress hormones:
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Release of cortisol: a needed stress hormone, but chronic secretion is EXTREMELY inflammatory
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Release of adrenaline: a needed stress hormone, but chronic secretion is also EXTREMELY inflammatory
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Chronic secretion of both can lead to adrenal fatigue and HPA-axis dysregulation.
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Secretion of fat storage hormones:
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Release of insulin: when cortisol goes up, it raises blood sugar. When blood sugar rises, insulin is released. Result? Fat storage.
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This is an simplified version of what is going on...but, there is much, much more...
What Can I do?
1. Acknowledge that you have chronic stress
2. Commit to doing something about it
3. Integrate routine and practices of stress relief
4. Improve your relationships
5. Take time for yourself
6. Try biofeedback
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Increasing awareness and control of your stress response
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Awareness through visually how stress impacts your body and learning techniques for self-control.
7. Try mindfulness meditation (or any other method of meditating)
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Learning to cultivate a sense of non-judgmental, present moment awareness. This is learning to be in this moment.
8. Improve your nutrition: Start here
9. Get some sunlight: Start here
10. Get some sleep: Start here
11. Incorporate a gratitude practice
12. Seek professional help
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We are communal beings. We are also meant to heal with others. This is a good place to start.
13. Have some fun
14. Laugh a little, especially with others
15. Learn some Tai Chi
16. Practice yoga
17. Live a life of simplicity and minimalism
18. Keep hydrated
19. Consider your mindset
20. Go get a massage and/or some acupuncture
The list can go on and on, but these are a good start.
Interested in the idea of meditation? Click here
Water
Does the type of water I drink matter? What does water have to do with mental and physical well-being?