What is Stress?

So what is stress and how do you know if you’re under stress?

Well firstly let’s look at the definition -- what is stress: 

A specific response by the body to a stimulus, as fear or pain, that disturbs or interferes with the normal physiological equilibrium of an organism. 

Physical, mental, or emotional strain or tension: Worry over his job and his wife's health put him under a great stress. 

A situation, occurrence, or factor causing this: The stress of being trapped in the elevator gave him a pounding headache.

Everyone experiences stress in their lives.  Juggling work, study, family and financial commitments in this uncertain economic climate can be extremely stressful, but do you realise your reaction to it can cause physiological stress in your body?

Your body responds to internal stress such as worrying about something, or through external stress such as fear or perceived danger. 

When you feel stressed by something your body reacts by releasing chemicals into your bloodstream to provide you with the strength and energy you need for “fight or flight”.

When you’re under intense stress you’ll feel the signs of stress and the physical response immediately –

• the adrenal glands secrete the hormone cortisol;

• your heart beats faster;

• your blood pressure rises;

• your muscles tense;

• your breathing quickens;

• and your blood sugar levels rise giving you instant energy for "fight or flight".

That’s great when you're in danger, but not so great if you're under so much pressure emotionally that you live in a constant state of stress. 

Internal stress is important to understand and manage because over a long period of time, if left untreated, it eventually affects or compromises your immune system, leading to sickness and possibly even disease.

If you don’t heed your body’s warning signs you will end up sick.  It’s your body’s way of forcing you to slow down.  

So the first step in learning how to deal with stress is identifying the causes of stress, rather than just treating the symptom.

Your breathing will also be affected by stress and anxiety, so you should find these breathing and relaxation techniques helpful.

And of course EFT should be the number one tool in your stress relief toolbox.

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