It's amazing what being positive does for our body, soul and spirit!! More than you know!!
Information is power & the ability to make choices! I found this article.... and for the most part i think , we can take something from this and apply it to our lives.... I do believe that we have the power to change so much in our lives... but i also know that without having the hand of God over my life... all of this wouldn't be possible!!! ENJOY :) and have a stress free day!!
A wellness philosophy focuses on a positive approach to living, engaging in attitudes, behaviors and choices that enhance the quality of your life. A holistic approach that requires balancing various aspects of the whole person. Wellness is an on-going evolving process in which one participates in the development and integration of all aspects of their physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being.
Wellness, as defined by the National Wellness Institute: "Wellness is an active process through which people become aware of, and make choices towards, a more successful existence".
Health is more than the absence of disease. Health is a state of optimal well-being.
Optimal well-being is a concept of health that goes beyond the curing of illness to one of achieving wellness. World Health Organization, (WHO)
It is important to understand certain aspects, relationships and contributing factors that can influence your choices that affect your wellbeing and lifestyle.
Stress - What is it? What does it do inside your mind and body?
Stress is a major player and contributor to our lack of well-being. Stress is American’s number one health concern according to numerous surveys. The American Institute of Stress in Yonkers, NY, reports that 43% of all adults suffer adverse health effects due to stress and 75-90% of all visits to primary care physicians are for stress – related complaints or disorders.
Understanding and managing stress is vital since today, as the demands and expectations that are placed upon us and those we put upon ourselves and perceive all contribute to our individual levels of wellness.
Stress affects each one of us and is unavoidable. It is simply a fact of life. What is important is our response to stress and it is something within our power to manage and control.
Stress, simply defined, is our body’s automatic reaction or response to any change, demand or concern. It is actually a combination of our mental, physical, chemical and emotional responses to any situation. The mind does not differentiate between what is real, imagined or perceived.
What happens when you feel, or perceive to be stressed? A primal response mechanism is triggered within your body, known as the “Fight or Flight” response (acute stress). In primitive times, this was a crucial response because if there was a danger or threat, say from an approaching saber-tooth tiger, the mind calls the body into action. The body instantly responds by releasing chemicals such as adrenaline (Adrenaline calls on your fat cells to empty their contents into the blood stream, increasing your cholesterol level) & dopamine ( linked to endorphins which help kill pain), into your body, which powers the fight or flight response so you can stay and fight or flee from the threat. Your heart rate increases, pumping blood throughout the body, the breathing increases, and the adrenal glands release additional hormones, which affect all organs of the body, and in addition, affects the metabolism by shutting down the digestive and reproductive systems. This provides more energy and blood to the legs and larger muscles so you are able to run away from the threat if needed.
Fortunately, we do not experience this same kind of threat today however the “fight or flight” response is still within us. It reacts to the stressors that we have in our life now. Unlike primitive times, stressors of today are usually not life threatening. However, the chemical effects to the body ultimately can be. And if the responses are negative and continuous, then the body will reflect this. Medical science reports that too much stress over a prolonged period of time (chronic stress) can lead to physical, emotional and or mental illnesses.
What happens when you feel, or perceive to be stressed? A primal response mechanism is triggered within your body, known as the “Fight or Flight” response (acute stress). In primitive times, this was a crucial response because if there was a danger or threat, say from an approaching saber-tooth tiger, the mind calls the body into action. The body instantly responds by releasing chemicals such as adrenaline (Adrenaline calls on your fat cells to empty their contents into the blood stream, increasing your cholesterol level) & dopamine ( linked to endorphins which help kill pain), into your body, which powers the fight or flight response so you can stay and fight or flee from the threat. Your heart rate increases, pumping blood throughout the body, the breathing increases, and the adrenal glands release additional hormones, which affect all organs of the body, and in addition, affects the metabolism by shutting down the digestive and reproductive systems. This provides more energy and blood to the legs and larger muscles so you are able to run away from the threat if needed.
Fortunately, we do not experience this same kind of threat today however the “fight or flight” response is still within us. It reacts to the stressors that we have in our life now. Unlike primitive times, stressors of today are usually not life threatening. However, the chemical effects to the body ultimately can be. And if the responses are negative and continuous, then the body will reflect this. Medical science reports that too much stress over a prolonged period of time (chronic stress) can lead to physical, emotional and or mental illnesses.
Stress often results from any change that interrupts our normal, comfortable routine. Stress comes from internal and external influences and factors. It can arise from health choices like eating junk food or fatty foods, overeating or smoking or drinking too much alcohol or lack of exercise. Or it can also be brought about from major life changes, like getting married or divorced, or moving, changing jobs, having a baby, etc. Stress may result from an injury to the body, or from a cold, or allergens, or even noise pollution. Stress can even weaken your immune system making you susceptible to illnesses. Yes, stress can even result for living a life that is unhappy.
Mind Body
Stress can be a combination of your perception of circumstances and the influences on your mind and body cause chemical reactions in your body. Every thought you think triggers an emotion and tied to that emotion are chemicals that are released into the body. The body’s reaction to the thoughts of the mind is called the MIND/BODY CONNECTION. Your mind is the most powerful tool you have to creating well-being.
"Mind-body medicine is now scientifically proven," states Dr. Herbert Benson, a cardiologist and associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School who is considered a pioneer in the field. "There are literally thousands of articles on how the mind and brain affect the body."
Each one of us responds differently as one event for one person may be stressful; it may not be for another. What is key though is how we handle our stress. Knowing that the mind directly influences every part of our body and well being, we must be self aware of and utilize positive stress coping skills. This is very important. Because we are bombarded with such a vast array of stressors in our life, we simply must seek and find ways to lessen and reduce stress. This is a critical component on the path to achieving wellness.
Even though stress in our lives is unavoidable, with knowledge, assistance and practice of proven mind/body skills, focusing on a positive mindset, the impact of stress can be greatly reduced and even managed well increasing the quality of your life.
Signs and signals of stress can appear as:
Stress can be a combination of your perception of circumstances and the influences on your mind and body cause chemical reactions in your body. Every thought you think triggers an emotion and tied to that emotion are chemicals that are released into the body. The body’s reaction to the thoughts of the mind is called the MIND/BODY CONNECTION. Your mind is the most powerful tool you have to creating well-being.
"Mind-body medicine is now scientifically proven," states Dr. Herbert Benson, a cardiologist and associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School who is considered a pioneer in the field. "There are literally thousands of articles on how the mind and brain affect the body."
Each one of us responds differently as one event for one person may be stressful; it may not be for another. What is key though is how we handle our stress. Knowing that the mind directly influences every part of our body and well being, we must be self aware of and utilize positive stress coping skills. This is very important. Because we are bombarded with such a vast array of stressors in our life, we simply must seek and find ways to lessen and reduce stress. This is a critical component on the path to achieving wellness.
Even though stress in our lives is unavoidable, with knowledge, assistance and practice of proven mind/body skills, focusing on a positive mindset, the impact of stress can be greatly reduced and even managed well increasing the quality of your life.
Signs and signals of stress can appear as:
- Backaches
- Stomach issues
- Sleep difficulties
- Smoking, increased smoking
- Headaches
- Crying
- Feeling sad, bummed
- Muscle tension
- Forgetfulness, lose things
- Fatigued, tired, loss of energy
- Heart palpitations -like your heart is racing
- Angry, irritable, frustrated
- Overly sensitive
- Stiff neck, upper back
- Worrisome
- Grinding teeth (day or night)
- Overeating, binging
- Compulsive behaviors, habits
- Nervousness, twitching
- Overwhelmed
- Skin breakouts or irritations
Now that you have a better understanding of what stress is and what it does, what can you do? Lots! First, Take a deep relaxing breath. Focus on the positive. Count your blessings. Begin by looking at what is going right in your world. Investigate the tools and resources available to help you. You must take action and take responsibility for you and your life choices.
Learn and practice coping skills and techniques. Get support, assistance, guidance or advice. Practice stress management and relaxation techniques. Get in tune with your self and your body. Pay attention to the signals from your body and mind. Review the many ways and options available to enhance your well-being and simplify your life.
Explore techniques to remove unhealthy habits thoughts or behaviors. Look at new lifestyle choices that can improve and foster a happy and healthier lifestyle. Each small step, every increment is a win and brings you to a better level of wellness.
Overview your life and see what you may wish to remove, enhance or change. Getting your life into balance is important.
Explore techniques to remove unhealthy habits thoughts or behaviors. Look at new lifestyle choices that can improve and foster a happy and healthier lifestyle. Each small step, every increment is a win and brings you to a better level of wellness.
Overview your life and see what you may wish to remove, enhance or change. Getting your life into balance is important.
The time is right now. It is never too late and you are never too old to create lasting positive changes. You deserve it! Start by taking the first step, a one right action. Get some results, feel good and then take another step!
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