Stress and Stress Reduction
We are all who we are; We are all individuals.
Each of us is made from our own unique genetically inherited physical forms,
and complex induced cultural characteristics. They are each part of us, inter-reacting
and helping us to analyze, make decisions, and solve problems in every situation
we encounter.
Some problems and situations we find easy to resolve. We have been there before. Our past experiences enable us to encounter them, and move on. Others are new. We must find different ways to tackle a new situation, if they work, we move on, if they do not, we try other ways. It is when we feel we have exhausted all possibilities in our problem solving techniques, that stress occurs.
By stress, we mean the unpleasant and uncomfortable physical and emotional feelings which are associated with the "fight or flight"; chemicals we produce to help our bodies physically and mentally prepare for an emergency.
We do not mean "tension". Tension is the force in a longbow that makes the arrow fly. It is a positive force in humans that help them perform. When the arrow is shot, or the task is overcome, the tension dissipates. It is short lived. Stress on the other hand is long term and seriously hampers our performance. When the bow is under constant stress, it is likely fracture and break. Likewise with humans, damage can occur to our mental and physical health.
The "fight or flight" chemicals (Adrenaline, Noradrenaline, and Cortisol) proved useful to our ancestors following hunter-gatherer lifestyles. Unfortunately for men and women in modern societies, living and driving in towns and cities, means you cannot run away or fight, so you cannot use the natural chemicals your body uses to protect you. Indeed over time the changes they produce may cause damage to your physical and emotional well being.
Common symptoms you may experience are headaches, nausea, and indigestion. You may begin to sweat, breathe quicker, or even have palpitations. In the short term there are a host of aches and pains you may suffer from, whilst in the longer term you may be putting yourself at risk from high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes, impotence, and even damage to the efficiency of your immune system.
Recognizing, coming to terms with, and learning techniques to overcome stress, are three important factors to enable you to increase your physical and emotional well being. At Corefitness.UK we hope we can teach you the techniques to bring about positive changes for the good.
