What is Stress?
Let’s start by clarifying what stress isn’t: it’s not all bad. In fact, stress can be your best friend in times of need. It’s a natural bodily response designed to help you survive a threat. However, how often do we face life-threatening situations in the modern world? Not often, I hope. Yet, we continuously experience stress in our lives.
Stress isn’t just a feeling; it’s a physiological and psychological response to a real or perceived threat. Ideally, this response should neutralise once the threat has passed. But here’s the catch: many modern-day triggers, such as an endless workload, financial worries, relationship troubles, and family responsibilities, don’t go away: we get hooked onto fearful thoughts. As a result, the stress response from our nervous system stays switched on. Hormones like adrenaline and cortisol keep flooding our bodies, preparing us to fight, flee, freeze, or fawn. While this is helpful in a genuine crisis, it’s detrimental when it becomes chronic.
The Impact of Chronic Stress on Your Health
When stress becomes a constant companion, it can wreak havoc on your health and well-being. Here’s how:
- Acute Stress: Increases heart rate, raises body temperature, and leads to fast, heavy breathing. You may feel anxious and experience mood swings due to fluctuating blood sugar levels.
- Episodic Stress: Causes muscle tension, which can lead to migraines, strong emotions such as anger, feelings of overwhelm, and hypertension.
- Chronic Stress: Results in weight gain, fatigue, insomnia, chronic headaches, panic attacks, anxiety, depression, and burnout.
Understanding these effects can help you see how crucial it is to manage stress effectively.
How to Manage Stress
First, check in with yourself and assess how you’re feeling. Stress can creep up gradually, making it hard to notice until it’s severe. Here are some simple yet effective strategies to counter stress:
- Exercise: Physical activity is a renowned stress reliever. Whether it’s a brisk walk, a swim, or a workout, exercise helps. If you can get out into nature, it’s even better. Combining exercise with the outdoors can double the benefits.
- Adequate Sleep: Essential for recovery and maintaining a healthy balance between the SNS and PNS.
- Hydration and Nutrition: Drink plenty of water and consider vegetable juices for an added health boost.
- Mindfulness and Meditation: Practise mindfulness or meditation, especially while being outdoors. You can listen to an active meditation while walking or practise deep breathing exercises.
- Socialising: Spend time with people who make you feel good. Social interactions are great for relieving stress. Invite friends for a walk and treat yourself to a nutritious snack or drink afterwards.
- Invest in a Personal Coach: If you frequently feel stressed, it might be time to seek professional help. A personal coach can teach you how to manage stress using simple tools. By understanding the thoughts, feelings, and habits that underlie and maintain stress, you can prevent it at its root. These skills will stay with you for a lifetime and can be shared with your family.
How CBT and Hypnotherapy Can Help
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness are established treatments for stress. When used alongside hypnotherapy, substantial evidence shows it increases positive results in over 70% of cases. These therapies work by helping you understand and manage your stress response effectively. Recognising and understanding your body’s natural stress response can turn it into your best ally, supporting you in brief moments of need without overwhelming you.
Ready to Take Control of Your Stress?
Stress can become so embedded in our lives that we might not realise we’re suffering from it. It’s like carrying a heavy bag and adding weight every day; you don’t notice the shift until the pain is severe. At our CBT and hypnotherapy practice, we’re dedicated to helping you understand and manage the stress response effectively. Our goal is to empower you with the tools and techniques you need to lead a healthier, more balanced life.
What Is The Stress Response?: Fight or FlightThe stress response, often referred to as the “fight or flight” response, is a physiological reaction that occurs in response to a perceived threat. This response is governed by the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and involves several key changes in the body:
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What is The Rest and Digest State?In contrast, the rest and digest state, governed by the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), is the body’s way of conserving energy and promoting recovery. This state allows the body to perform essential functions that are suppressed during the stress response:
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Conclusion
Understanding the physiology of stress and the rest and digest state highlights the importance of balance for overall health. By recognizing the signs of stress and implementing strategies to promote relaxation, you can enhance your well-being and lead a healthier, more balanced life.
Get in Touch
Are you experiencing stress symptoms? Contact me to schedule a consultation and explore personalised treatment options to help you overcome stress.
This blog provides valuable information about stress, its impact, and comprehensive treatment options. It aims to educate and inform you. Always refer to your GP for medical advice as services offered should not be considered as medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent medical conditions.