Feeling Stressed…………is it all in my head?

Stress has become synonymous with our daily lives and it’s something that we all encounter at some time, if not on a daily basis. “I’m feeling stressed’ has become the new byline. Just think to yourself how often you say that you are stressed or your life is very stressful.

Does thinking that you’re stressed actually contribute to the stress response? If I think I’m stressed, will I actually feel stress?

Stress is our body’s response to a distressful or dangerous situation. It’s that ‘fight or flight response’ that protects us from harm. Adrenaline and Cortisol are released and our heart rate increases, our blood pressure goes up, glucose is released to our muscles. All these responses help our body prepare for flight or react in an emergency.

More and more research is showing the connection between our thoughts and the physical changes that they may cause in our bodies. As soon as we perceive a situation to be stressful, we tense up, become anxious and may feel ‘butterflies’ in our stomach. A part of our brain, called the Thalamus detects negative thoughts as a real danger, not just a perceived one and sends sensory and motor signals to the rest of our body. Hence even thinking negative or stressful thoughts will cause physical changes.

Stress can also be beneficial in that it can help you stay focused, be more energetic or prepare for a challenge. If the stress is short term, our bodies return to normal but if the stress is ongoing over a long period of time, harmful changes may occur.

Every part of your body is affected by stress. It can suppress your immune system, lead to chronic fatigue, affect your digestive and reproductive systems, speed up ageing and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. It may also lead to depression, anxiety and mood disorders.

The good news is that we can change our thoughts and hence diffuse the situation and decrease the stress response. If we are under constant pressure, take time out to see what changes you can make. What can you cut back on?

Learn to say ‘No’. Delegate! Ask for help. Everything doesn’t have to be done at once. Learn to prioritise.

Don’t try and be everything to everybody. Respect yourself and your time. If you can help someone, do it, but if it stresses you or exhausts you, politely say ‘no’. You might always try and do it all yourself, but perhaps it’s time to let go of that control and ask for help.

Look at how you react to others. Why do they trigger you? Can you respond differently and see their point of view as well. Trying to diffuse a potentially stressful situation may help avoid the stress altogether.

Also, try meditation. Numerous studies have shown the huge benefits of stress reduction from regular meditation practice. If we calm our minds, we become more focused, less reactive and our bodies become calmer. Reflexology is another great tool to deeply relax you and reduce your stress response.

Take some time out from those stressful thoughts. They may only be in your head but they affect every part of your body.

Take care and please let me know what you think.

With love,

Judy xxx

Ps. You can also like our page on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/solevitalityreflexology/

References: www.helpguide.org/articles/stress, www.powerofpositivity.com/negative-thinking-affects-your-brain/

Disclaimer: Please note that all information in this article is the opinion of the author and obtained through her research and knowledge and the above references. It is not meant to replace medical advice and a medical opinion should always be obtained for any health condition.