Why does Stress Matter?
,More than just an emotion, stress is a hardwired physical response that travels throughout your entire body. In the short-term, stress can be helpful, but activated too often or too long, not only changes your brain, but also damages many other organs and cells in the body.
Stress does not just affect us mentally and emotionally — it also has the power to make us physically sick. It is one of the greatest killers in our society today!” Dr. Amen
Happiness and Stress are opposites in a way.
Happiness excretes happy chemicals in your body, like Dopamine and Serotonin which are actually beneficial to your body, and immune system.
Where as Stress secretes Cortisol which wreaks havoc on your body and immune system
When we’re angry or frustrated for just five minutes, it can suppress the immune system for up to six hours. Six hours! On the other hand, when we’re feeling open hearted, when we’re feeling love, appreciation and gratitude, we go into heart rhythm coherence. Five minutes of feeling appreciation or love can strengthen the immune system for up to six hours. That’s a big deal. When we spend a lot of time with a closed heart we’re actually weakening our immune systems which makes us more susceptible to illness and disease.
In fact, we have 100,000 chemical reactions every second.
The good news is that our bodies are actually designed, if they’re working properly, to be a pharmacopoeia of good and juicy chemicals that are better than any drugs out there. Our brains can be a pharmacy for the good biochemicals— serotonin, endorphins, oxytocin, among others. And these happiness chemicals are good for our health.
What are some physical symptoms or conditions caused by stress?
There are ways to overcome stress
Accept it
Be Grateful
Manage your time
Relax
Say, "No"
Keep a Stress Journal
Be Mindful
Of course, these are only a few ideas, and many times these are easier said than done. That is why coaching in this area can be helpful.
What is your action plan to manage stress?
If you would like some help in this area, click here
Stress does not just affect us mentally and emotionally — it also has the power to make us physically sick. It is one of the greatest killers in our society today!” Dr. Amen
- 70%+ of all healthcare visits are reported to be related to conditions caused by stress!
- Stress triggers up to 85% of serious illnesses. (Stress Management Society)
- There are other reports that state stress is related to 99% of all diseases (this stat is even listed on the lululemon yoga store bags!)
- It is also one of the biggest robbers of happiness
Happiness and Stress are opposites in a way.
Happiness excretes happy chemicals in your body, like Dopamine and Serotonin which are actually beneficial to your body, and immune system.
Where as Stress secretes Cortisol which wreaks havoc on your body and immune system
When we’re angry or frustrated for just five minutes, it can suppress the immune system for up to six hours. Six hours! On the other hand, when we’re feeling open hearted, when we’re feeling love, appreciation and gratitude, we go into heart rhythm coherence. Five minutes of feeling appreciation or love can strengthen the immune system for up to six hours. That’s a big deal. When we spend a lot of time with a closed heart we’re actually weakening our immune systems which makes us more susceptible to illness and disease.
In fact, we have 100,000 chemical reactions every second.
The good news is that our bodies are actually designed, if they’re working properly, to be a pharmacopoeia of good and juicy chemicals that are better than any drugs out there. Our brains can be a pharmacy for the good biochemicals— serotonin, endorphins, oxytocin, among others. And these happiness chemicals are good for our health.
What are some physical symptoms or conditions caused by stress?
- Fuels cancer & could affect cancer treatment outcomes
- Shrinks the brain – reduces memory, tension headaches, and migraines
- Can cause depression
- Anxiety
- Increases risk of chronic disease
- Raises risk of stroke & heart attacks
- Weakens immune systems - making it harder to fight off colds and other germs
- Heartburn, IBS, Diarrhea, Stomach Cramping, stomach aches
- Back pain
- For pregnant women, severe stress may affect the fetus’ brain development and increase chances of premature labor
There are ways to overcome stress
Accept it
Be Grateful
Manage your time
Relax
Say, "No"
Keep a Stress Journal
Be Mindful
Of course, these are only a few ideas, and many times these are easier said than done. That is why coaching in this area can be helpful.
What is your action plan to manage stress?
If you would like some help in this area, click here
