What is our body’s stress response?
Our body’s stress response is an ancient, proven set of actions that protect our body in times of actual or perceived danger and strenuous activity. The stress response automatically protects from short term danger. This served us well for thousands of years during times of famine and attack by predators.
What is the inherent danger of our stress response?
Our body’s chronic stress response is the same even though it is not appropriate to our current urban lifestyle. Research shows that it is a major cause of heart disease, cancer, stroke, pain, premature aging, and depression.
What are some of the stress response bodily actions?
· Lower immune response
· Change of posture
· Increased blood pressure
· Increased pulse rate
· Increased blood sugar levels
· Decrease insulin sensitivity
· Increase level of inflammation
· Increased cholesterol levels
· Increased level of inflammation
· Increased blood thickness
· Reduced sexual drive
· Reduced digestion
· Increase levels of pain
· Decreased ability to think clearly
· Decreased ability to sleep
· Increased level of alertness/ nervousness/ fidgeting
· Increased allergies
These symptoms cause illness and chronic diseases. They are preventable.
What causes the stress response in today’s modern world?
Not moving, eating, and thinking properly.
What can I do to limit my stress response?
The stress response is normal and beneficial in times of acute danger. The problem is that we automatically respond more forcefully and frequently then is appropriate to our current urban life. The solution is to consciously take control with how we move, eat, and think so that it is in accordance with what our body requires. We must do the following.
Eat Well
Sufficient calories and nutrients.
Limited junk food and other toxins.
Move Well
Sufficient alignment and flexibility, strength and endurance exercise.
Limited toxic movement
Think Well
Sufficient positive thoughts, affirmations and “living in present”
Limited toxic thoughts and repetitive, useless thinking
Live Well
Sufficient hygienic habits.
Limited toxic habits and relationships.
By eating, moving, and thinking well, we limit the catabolic stress response and move toward homeostasis – the state of balance and harmony which allows full growth and repair, instead of the stress and survival state leading to illness and death.
It is up to us, whether or not we choose health over sickness.
