Stress is a symptom and pressure is the cause of stress. Stress can show up differently in individuals according to personality, metabolism, upbringing, changes in weather, light and progressive problems. However, some pressure is good for us – it allows us to grow and develop and can keep us motivated. In fact there are times when not having enough pressure can lead to manic depression if there is an intense feeling of boredom or not having enough mental stimulation.
The body’s electro-magnetic field receives and transmits information from other people and situations. These impulses can be stored from the nervous system, endocrine system and the brain. Our thoughts determine our ability to overcome adversity, to be positive and clear and our thoughts are key to our ability in overcoming stress. So when we are overwhelmed by too many thoughts, or we are confused, we become irritable and the body does not function harmoniously.
The mind needs to relax and empty itself of these thoughts. This allows neural chemicals (such as Endomorphins) to be released. It has been found that meditation, visualisation, Yoga and focused breathing are excellent ways to relax the mind and release the endomorphins. Endomorphins are pleasure-giving hormones as well as being natural painkillers. They help to increase our awareness, balance the pressure in the body and alleviate stress.
There are many different ways that stress manifests including insomnia, indigestion, lethargy, lowered levels of energy, to name a few. As more people become less inclined towards taking anti-depressants, sleeping tablets and painkillers (which treat the symptom, not the cause) it is important that awareness is given to creating a more balanced lifestyle.
The areas of our lives that need to be in balance include friendships – having someone to talk to, to listen to, share feelings with and be completely relaxed in their company. Our homes should be somewhere that we can relax, let the outside world go and allow us to be contented, happy and to obtain quality sleep.
Work is where we should be able to express our skills and talents and be rewarded well for doing so. As we spend so much time at work it is important that we enjoy what we are doing and feel fulfilled at the end of each working day. Too often, however, are we dragged down by our work, our colleagues and bosses, we work long and hard and then return home with work still on our minds. This in turn can create a stressful home-life as we tend to pass on our stress to our loved ones.
We also need to make time for our interests, hobbies and relaxation whether achieved through sport, religion, reading or just taking time to relax. This all helps to alleviate mental frustration and confusion.
Deep relaxation is key to creating clarity, harmony and balance. To find time in order to relax every muscle group and function in our bodies, and be aware of where we hold our tension, we can consciously let go of it and thus create more clarity, harmony and balance.
Meditation is a key part of relaxing deeply. It is a place where you are just in a state of ‘being’, not doing, just being aware of your breath and your own body. It helps to nourish the body and mind, metabolism and the spirit.
Nutrition also plays a big factor in creating stress. Not eating breakfast, drinking coffee, fizzy drinks, having poor food choices and smoking all create stress in the body and do not help in reducing stress. Poor nutrition puts strain on your organs – leading to tiredness and stress.
When under pressure, the body and mind needs more energy so it is essential that we have the essential vitamins in order to ‘top up’ our reserves to prevent us becoming unwell or run down.
Our bodies cannot differentiate between real danger or danger that is purely a thought in our mind. Therefore any emotions such as anger, fear or anxiety about anything from a challenging boss to being stuck in traffic will produce the same nerve impulses and chemical reactions as if there were a real danger or challenge that we had to deal with.
When we are in this ‘state’ the brain releases the hormone Adrenalin into our blood. Our body is then on ‘full alert’ and gives us energy, strength and clear thinking so that we can deal with whatever we are facing. However, if we are often in this full alert state, it means that our bodies are under stress more than is really necessary or good for our state of general health.