Stress is Stress is Stress

Something you don’t really consider until you have it, but once you have it how do you recognise it for what it is?

First you need to consider, we all get stressed- it’s part of life.

But, what actually is stress?

Stress is your body's way of responding to any kind of demand, it can be a physical, physiological or psychological response to triggers either in your internal or external in the environment. This can be something that you encounter, as in a situation, or exposure to a toxin, or even a thought you have.

It’s a natural response to the things that we encounter in life, as we need some stress to function correctly- this is called ‘eustress’. The stress that we are more aware of, is the type that affects us negatively, and is termed ‘distress’.

We need eustress to motivate us to do things, it gives us impetus. However, distress, is the ‘stress’ we commonly associate with- this is like an in built survival mechanism to prevent you from harm. The body is designed to endure short term periods of stress well. But for many in the world today, stress has become a chronic, long term problem. This is not cool. These long periods of abnormally high stress levels are what affects us and manifests and the symptoms we feel. In fact long term or chronic stress can actually contribute to numerous health issues including lowered immunity and cardiovascular issues.

Some signs you may be stressed are:

  • Fatigue/ low energy levels

  • Headaches/ clenched jaw/ TMJ issues

  • Mood changes- frustrated, moody, overly emotional

  • Feeling overwhelmed or like your losing control

  • Excessive sweating/ cold or sweaty hands and feet

  • Unable to switch off your mind/ insomnia

  • Upset tummy- gastrointestinal issues

  • Palpations- rapid heart beat

  • Feeling low- altered mood

  • Avoiding social situations

  • Unexplained muscular and joint ache/ pain

  • Frequent colds

  • Nervousness/ becoming anxious 

  • Dry mouth and difficulty swallowing

  • Amenorrhoea

  • Insulin resistance

  • Elevated blood glucose

  • Altered immune function

Your brain is always trying to maintain your internal homeostasis or equilibrium, and there are two areas in your brain that communicate in order to achieve some of this- the hypothalmus and the pituitary gland (also known as your third eye!). These communicate to help synthesise and release our hormones, chemical messengers, and anything that interferes with this feedback loop, like stress, interferes with this hormonal balance.

So let’s talk about cortisol, we’ve all heard about this, when you’re very stressed your adrenal glands release cortisone and adrenaline, this is your fight or flight response kicking in, to get you out of danger (oart of the sympathetic nervous system). But, what the body doesn’t understand is that this response is the same whether there is a tiger about to chase you, or you’re sat at home ruminating on something. The cortisol you release is made from the same compounds as other hormones, like oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and when cortisol production increases, this impedes the production of other hormones. After all at times of survival, procreation is not high on the agenda, so if your stressed your body cant distinguish if you running from a dangerous situation or from a thousand emails a day and a busy homelife, or worried about the current situation in the world your body will react the same. Stress is stress is stress!

Your body is always working for you and trying to protect you- so we should try to help it out a little more.

At a time where everyone has a lot of stress, it’s so important now more than ever to look at ourselves physically, mentally and emotionally. To become mindful of what we experience, to observe what causes stress and implement some simple things to help alleviate it. It’s important to take care of ourselves and our bodies. Self care lovelies!

So what can you do about it?

  1. Remove the stressor- if you can get rid of what is making you stressed and if you can’t remove it can you limit your exposure to it.

  2. Laughter- sometimes to can seem like you’ll never be able to laugh, but watching a funny film, listening to a podcast/ audio book, or even chatting with a friend can help to elevate out mood.

  3. Breathing exercises- nasal breathing is a must here, so ‘shut your mouth’, and also breathing deep into the belly using diaphragmatic breathing will definitely help lower stress levels.

  4. Get out in the fresh air and move- if you can go for a walk, get outside. If you can exercise outdoors even better.

  5. Meditation- there are some great mindfulness- meditation classes, apps and FREE resources out there. Even just sitting and observing what you feel within for a few moments can work.

“The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.” William James.

** All of the detail above is part of the lifestyle coaching that, when appropriate, comes with your treatment plan, in addition to some of the short courses offered which are designed to enhance your health and wellness on your journey to enhanced wellbeing.