The Story of Stress

When we perceive danger, our bodies' natural stress reaction (triggered by the sympathetic nervous system) increases our heart rate, blood pressure, shallow breathing, and muscle tension. Digestive action is decreased and our skin temperature decreases. These responses are designed to help us take action, such as fighting or fleeing. As well as saving us from the danger, taking action is one way to complete the cycle and reset our body back to equilibrium. When our ancestors faced dangers like animal attacks, this worked very well! However, in modern US society, it is usually inappropriate to respond to the danger we perceive by fighting or fleeing, so we internalize it. The ill-effects of stress are well documented. The effects of internalizing the stress reaction can lead to sleep disorders, chronic pain, anxiety, self destructive behavior in the short term. In the long term, it can lead to heart attack, depression, exhaustion, cancer, or increase your risk of problems you are genetically predisposed to.

Some of my favorite ways to reduce my stress are body-centered mindfulness practice, making art, spending time in beautiful natural places, avoiding news media, and enjoying the company of my cat. What are your favorite ways to reduce your stress?