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The Effects of Stress
written by, Dr. John
A. Harris
Stress is an unwelcome companion in modern American life. Stressors like
financial problems, relationships, the loss of a loved one, problems
like divorce, work problems, etc. all have a definite negative
effect on our health. Even the "good" things in life can be
stressful and cause the same effect (ex: weddings, promotion at
work, etc.). The reason is that your body reacts to all stress the same
way, whether it is good or bad, emotional threat or physical
threat. Our reaction to stress is called the "flight or fight"
response. It is meant to protect us from an immediate physical
threat (ex: being stronger or able to run faster when you're
afraid). Your body does this by releasing stress hormones, such as
adrenaline and cortisol. When the physical threat is soon over,
these levels quickly drop to normal. Modern life stress (emotional)
lasts much longer (days, months, even years) than a physical threat
(seconds or minutes). When stress hormones stay elevated for long
periods of time many health problems can result. Increased blood
pressure, fatigue, digestive problems, tension headache, and
increased muscle tension especially in the neck and upper back are
common. Chronic stress has even been liked to higher rates of many
diseases (ex: heart disease).
Even
if you can't change the things in your life that are causing you
stress, there are number of things you can do to minimize the
negative effects of stress on your body and mind.
1.
Relaxation
techniques like prayer or meditation have been shown to actually
lower stress hormones (within minutes!) and increase "pleasure"
hormones like serotonin.
2.
Try
to have a sense of humor or watch comedy movies.
3.
Exercise
decreases stress and gives one a sense of satisfaction
(accomplishment).
4.
Keep
your personal and professional life separate.
5.
Don't
procrastinate. Get annoying tasks finished early and enjoy the
rest of the day.
6.
See
the chiropractor! One of the many beneficial effects of the
treatments we offer (massage, deep heat, muscle stimulation, and
adjustments) is a reduction in stress.
Health and Fitness Articles by John A.
Harris, D.C.
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