What is Stress and How Can We Reduce it?
If there is one thing we have in common, it’s stress.
There is no denying it, there’s no hiding it and if we do, it is turned into a greater anxiety. During times like today’s, we’re feeling, expressing and thinking, all kinds of emotions.
New, old, unusual. It’s happening and normally, we’d turn to activities that are now limited and restricted, so we’re feeling the feels, loud as ever.
How can we manage our stress levels that in turn, can minimize our anxieties and fear?
The brain. We all know this power house is responsible for many aspects of our lives including movement, sight, internal signaling and external communication, but the brain is so much more than its knowledge for us.
It allows for a creation of identity, fulfillment and capability to adapt and reset at any time.
Within the brain, we have the Amygdala, which is located in the Medial Temporal Lobe. It is responsible for our emotional processing and wellbeing, so when we are witnessing or encountering an issue, a signal is then sent to another part of the brain, the Hypothalamus.
Our Hypothalamus acts as the central hub for internal communication from the brain and once a distress signal is sent from the Amygdala, the Autonomic Nervous System becomes aware and prepares the body to either stay or go.
Along with the Parasympathetic Nervous System, our Sympathetic Nervous System, Flight or Fight is also activated through the ANS. When signals are sent to the adrenal glands, epinephrine is released to provide the maximum support for our bodies needs.
Oxygen is supplied to brain for sharpness, lungs are allotted more air, blood sugar and fats are sourced to the blood stream.
How Amazing are Our Bodies?
We must say, FREAKING INCREDIBLE.
As we start to peak out of the situation, the hypothalamus sends hormone release signals to ensure the SNS is disengaging. Cortisol is released to keep us clear and ready for the remainder of the time we are in a threatening state and when it’s over, cortisol levels decrease and the PNS is called in for duty.
Our bodies are unbelievable. How lucky are we that we have a constant, unique support system at our two feet? Literally.
How can we do our part to maximize the connection and heighten the relationship we have with our bodies?
Wellness:
- Internal and External
- Meditating
- Journaling
- Exercising
- Supplementing
- Nourishing with quality.
Set Clear Intentions and Motives.
Be compassionate, show kindness. Embody the person you are destined to be. Lower your cortisol levels. Get enough sleep. Exercise, mindfully.
Acknowledge your anxieties and manage the thought process of them. Try not to be driven by your thoughts.
Make peace with your stressor. If your body is constantly undergoing this cycle of distress, your blood pressure will spike, your arteries will clog and brain changes such as anxiety and depression can form.
We are beautiful.
We are extraordinary.
We are capable.
We are Winged Woman.
Sources:
Harvard
NCBI