Eliminate Stress HEALTH
STRESS 101 by Susan Conn-Hood, Certified Yoga/Fitness Instructor & Juice Plus Whole Food Educator
The cheapest medicine we have is exercise, deep focused breathing and watching your diet.
E
xperts are divided over exactly how to define stress; some think that it’s primarily an external response that can be measured by changes in the glandular secretions, skin reactions and other physical functions. Others assert that it’s an internal interpretation of, or reaction to, a stressor, which might be defined as something in one’s environment that strains one adaptive capacity and threatens one’s well being. Often stress is a combination of anxiety-which is an emotion about the future-and depression, which is about a loss or sense of loss, either perceived or actual. Yet, to our bodies, the source of the
stress is irrelevant. It can’t distinguish between economic stress and marital or overwork-related stress. Stress researcher Dr. Kevin Pelletier has reported that an astonishing 80 percent to 90 percent of all illness is stress related and that nearly 100 million Americans suffer from stress related illness.
Symptoms of Stress
The primary physiological agent of stress is cortisol, the so called “stress hormone” our body secretes when faced with a fight or flight situation. Small increases of cortisol have positive effects, such as a quick burst of energy, heightened memory, increased immunity and a lower sensitivity to pain. However if the stressful situation isn’t alleviated, the body will continue to pump out higher and more prolonged levels of cortisol, which causes a litany of health problems: impaired cognitive function, blood sugar imbalances, loss of muscle and bone density and more abdominal fat, higher blood pressure and lower immunity.
Habits to Fight Stress
The cheapest medicine we have is exercise, deep focused breathing and
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watching your diet. Studies have found that exercise increases the ability of the body to mobilize energy and prepares the body to better cope with stress when it occurs. Another study found that exercise puts people into a more relaxed state because it reduces anxiety and blood pressure. By taking 4-6 deep cleansing breaths- count to four on the inhale through your nose and count to six on the exhale thru your mouth-you can help to reduce stress at any time. In times of financial belt tightening, you can still indulge in inexpensive exercise such as walking, hiking, jogging, and biking – 30-60 minutes at least five days a week. Regarding eating habits-green leafy vegetables contain high amounts of calcium and magnesium, which are known to relax one’s system. Foods high in B vitamins and C vitamins and amino acids are fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Drinking green tea has immune boosting properties too. Avoid deleterious substances such as fatty foods, fast food, sugar, caffeine, and alcohol. So calm those nerves and take positive action in the control of daily Stress.
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