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About Stress |
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| From
an evolutionary point of view, stress is a physiological reaction
that allowed our ancestors to survive a threat.
Stimulated by
a critical situation, the body makes additional resources available
by releasing hormones and sugar into the bloodstream, thus accelerating
the heart and breathing rates, the muscles become tense, and perspiration
and
salivation increases. The body is ready for action, whether to fight
or flight. Today stress may stimulate high performances in athletes or may inspire actors, or may bring out the required 'edge' during an exam. However, persistent stress is harmful. In fact, the World Health Organization states that stress is one of the biggest health risks in the 21st century. This is because modern man can generally neither fight or flee any threatening or stressful situation in the office, in traffic, in social situations, or in school. Consequently, the mobilized energies cannot drain off. Once the stress mechanisms have been activated repetitively or for prolonged times, the muscles and nerves become permanently tense, and the essential harmony of the body has been broken. This exhausts and depletes its vital systems. Long-term stress also denies the body the opportunity to heal - and the live-saving mechanism of our forefathers turns against us. |
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Stress makes you ill - illness causes stress. |
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| Any cause of stress is called a stressor. What constitutes a stressor is
a very subjective perception. Naturally, massive events cause stress but
most often it is the accumulation of many small annoyances that are responsible
for stress and the ensuing stress-related diseases. Stress can manifest
itself physically as shoulder, back, and neck muscle tension, or stomach
and bowel upset. If the stressful state persists, it can lead to a weakening
of the immune system. Stress affects
us psychologically by causing a lack of concentration, irritability,
moodiness, or impatience. Difficulties in memory or in
making decisions may even lead to a feeling of uncertainty towards the
future. Depression, apathy, or a loss of confidence may ensue. It is therefore of utmost importance to identify the cause of your stress and to choose efficient stress management strategies. For some, a round of golf may accomplish this (if your handicap does not stress you). For others, the practice of relaxation techniques such as Autogenic Training or Progressive Muscle Relaxation may be more efficient, particularly considering that a proficient practitioner requires only a few minutes to alleviate the stress-related maladies. Other may just need to treat themselves to a relaxing massage to fully unwind and to initiate the restorative rhythm of the body. |
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