Stress is the response we have to challenging situations around us and can manifest in several different ways. With everything happening in the world at the moment it is no wonder we as a collective are feeling this stress.
Stress manifests in our body as fatigue, teeth grinding, headaches, irritability, tearfulness, loss of libido, unhealthy eating habits, becoming less social, frequent colds and flus, and a feeling of panic. When you are stressed hormones such as cortisol are released into your bloodstream which accelerate your heart rate and breathing. In small amounts, cortisol is anti-inflammatory, assists the immune system and regulates blood pressure. However, in a chronic state of stress cortisol has negative effects on the immune system and increases inflammation in the body. Stress can also affect your sleep via the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, which can also put you in a state called sympathetic dominance. This is where the sympathetic nervous system takes over and the parasympathetic nervous system takes a back seat. The sympathetic nervous system is your 'fight and flight' response to danger and your parasympathetic nervous system is your 'rest and digest'. This means that digestion is compromised via reduced blood flow and reduced secretion of hydrochloric acid that helps to break down proteins in the body.
But enough with the effects of stress, how do we treat it? Although stress is affecting the physical body greatly it is something we sense or perceive in our reality which is causing this stress. Therefore, I believe stress requires a holistic approach. The first step to activating the parasympathetic nervous system and turning off that fight and flight response is to use breathing techniques. The main one I like to use is the 4-4-8 technique: Breathing in for four counts, holding for four counts and exhaling for eight counts. Repeating this three times usually slows the breathing and the heart rate, while activating the parasympathetic nervous system.
As stress is more than just our physical body and our mind is very connected to the digestive organs and the body via the vagus nerve - I believe the mind also needs to be addressed when experiencing stress. This is achieved by journaling, using gratitude and affirmations. There are many different affirmations you can find but I particularly love this one when dealing with stress: 'I flow with life easily and effortlessly' or 'I am safe it is only change' from Louise L. Hay. Journaling can involve writing out your feelings and accepting them as a part of you (once you accept them these feelings usually disperse, it is our resistance to these feelings that cause further suffering), or documenting 5 things you are grateful for each day.
I hope that helps you all who are dealing with stress. I will be available for appointments in mid February for those that need further assistance in managing their stress. If you are really feeling stuck and overwhelmed I recommend Emergency essence from the Bush Flowers as this product is very comforting and has a calming effect. You can find this direct from the link below or any health food store.
Sending love and light to you all,
Branwen
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