Stress is a non-specific, conventional and phylogenetic basic response of the human mind in a challenging situation. These days, anxiety and stress have become a part of life issue that is feeding on one’s peace of mind and disrupting the emotional equilibrium causing diseases.
Stress is nothing but a) Anxiety, b) Incessant thinking with fear, insecurity, irritation. Speed of life creates stress. c) Uncertainty of times coming ahead with lack of sleep. d) Unhappiness and disappointment of the way things are in life, e) Matters of the past constantly haunting you and much more. Every such mental and emotional condition perceived by the mind in its unnatural non-rhythmic state out of sync and flow. Stress begins to kill the enthusiasm of life. Stress restricts and constricts the energy flow of life. The body is always in the fight flight mode and never in a celebratory, free, liberated mode.
Perceiving the threat (stressor) is the initial stage of the stress reaction. Stressors, whether actual or imagined, always have an impact on the brain. The hypothalamus is the part of the brain that senses the stressor. The hypothalamus carries out certain tasks in response to threats: 1. causes the autonomic nerve system (ANS) to become active 2. Releases Corticotrophin Releasing Hormone (CRH) to stimulate the Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal (HPA) axis and 3. Releases the antidiuretic hormone, arginine vasopressin (ADH). The sympathetic (arousal) and parasympathetic (relaxation) nerve systems make up the autonomic nervous system. Visceral functions like as breathing, digestion, circulation, temperature regulation, and some essential organs are all governed by the ANS.
In this state, Stress hit your gut. Digestive juices get restricted, constricted. Elimination of toxins get restricted and constricted. Absorption of the food is extremely poor and flatulence, constipation or loose motions become the order of the day.
With that, guess what? Of course, the heart beats and the rhythm of the circulatory system and function suffers. So, with that, you would certainly also feel uneasiness in the heart if the levels of stress goes higher and higher.
And the more you give attention to it the more it grows, the more you give importance you give importance to it the more it grips your life. They are all inter-related.
Exercises assists in letting go of the tension, reducing stress and producing feel-good chemicals like endorphins, and other naturally occurring neurochemicals. Take long and deep breaths throughout the workday. This will help to keep stress at bay.
Meditation, for instance, is known to lower cortisol levels, alleviating stress and anxiety. Chanting mantras is another ancient practice that can instil tranquillity and focus, linking physical rhythms with mental peace through breath and sound coordination.
Handling stressful and challenging situation consciously can be a powerful way to enhance well-being. It can give profound benefits to physical, mental and emotional health. With greater self-awareness, resilience and balance one can navigate challenges with grace.
