About Stress

Imagine having a powerful fast car that has all the features you might think of. And imagine driving this car in first gear all the time. It would not only wear off the car pretty fast and cause various problems but it would also make no sense having this great car and never use its potential.

This is very similar to what we do with our bodies and minds when under stress - we are running on first gear, without making the necessary shift to the next one. Yes, first gear does have the extra power to get us out of a situation when we need it but how much fun is it to go on a fast road and move in first gear, trying to move fast, while the rpm’s are roaring and the whole car is shaking?

What is stress?

When you are stressed, your body responds as though you are in danger. It makes hormones that speed up your heart, make you breathe faster, and give you a burst of energy. This is called the fight-or-flight stress response.

Some stress is normal and even useful. It can help if you need to work hard or react quickly. For example, it can help you win a race, finish an important job on time or run away when in danger.

However, when your body is in a fight or flight response, the message that goes through your body is that you are in danger. Most of the resources are taken away from the visceral processes and are redirected to support you getting out of the danger. Resources are taken away from the growth process which is responsible for replacing the old cells with new ones and resources are also taken away from your immune system.

Increased stress increases productivity – up to a point, after which things rapidly deteriorate, and that level also differs for each of us. It’s much like the stress or tension on a violin string. Not enough produces a dull raspy sound and too much an irritating screech or snaps the string – but just the correct degree of stress creates a beautiful tone.
Similarly, we all have to find the right amount of stress that permits us to make pleasant music in our daily lives. You can learn how to utilize and transform stress so that it will make you more productive and less self-destructive.

But if stress happens too often or lasts too long, it can have bad effects. How long can you drive a car in first gear without having to go to the mechanic?

Chronic stress problems

Over time, chronic stress can have an effect on:

• The immune system. Under stress, the body becomes more vulnerable to illnesses, from colds and minor infections to major diseases.
• Increase or decrease of body weight.
• Cardiovascular disease. Stress is linked to high blood pressure, abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia), problems with blood clotting, and hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). It is also linked to coronary artery disease, heart attack, and heart failure.
• Muscle pain. People who are stressed often have neck, shoulder, and low back pain. This may be caused by constant tension in the muscle because of stress. Stress also affects rheumatoid arthritis.
• Stomach and intestinal problems. Stress may be a factor in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease, and irritable bowel syndrome.
• Reproductive organs. Stress is linked to painful menstrual periods, decreased fertility, and erection problems.
• The lungs. Stress can make symptoms of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) worse.
  Skin problems. Stress can make disorders such as acne or psoriasis worse.   

 
What can you do about stress?

Fortunately nature has equipped our bodies with the perfect antidote to stress. It`s called the relaxation response.  We have prepared a list of effective tools for reducing the stress. In combination with our Stress Relief mind tool, they could be a powerful way to a healthier and better life.

• Meditation
• Brainwave Therapy
• Physical Exercise
• Breathing Exercises
• Being Aware of Your Thoughts
• Self Hypnosis

Try our Stress Relief brainwave meditation

Take our Stress Test