Physiology of stress

In this volatile economic climate and the world apparently losing its mind, our politicians behaving like a bunch of school children (naughty school children), it is difficult 'not' to be just a little stressed. It is no secret that stress kills.  This is a well known and documented fact.  However, has anyone ever explained in detail just what does happen when you find yourself stressed out for days and weeks or even years at a time?

 First we have to explain the psychology or the trigger mechanism of the physical response. Consciously we know who or what has caused our stress. It could be a person we know or a series of events that make our lives rather more difficult than we'd like it to be.  Its how our body reacts to this stress and how we manage it that makes stress so dangerous.   What happens in a moment of stress?

 First you get an adrenaline shot right to the blood stream.  This causes your fat stores to release fat into the blood and alters it so that it is ready for quick energy.  Your digestive system shuts down and shunts all the blood used for digestion to your extremities in preparation for your fight or flight from danger.

In nature this stress usually lasts a few minutes but most of us are in full blown fight and flight for the better part of 8 hours.  Not Good.  The fat in our blood hasn't been used up and it can't stay in your system otherwise you clog up your arteries have a heart attack and die.   So the fat has to be put somewhere.  Since the fat has been altered from its original state it can't just be put back where it was.  Belly fat is often the result of this kind of stress.  This kind of fat is call 'heart attack fat' because it gets into the blood stream easily...too easily which can be dangerous if you aren't fit in the cardiovascular area.

Coping with stress tools.
1.  Deep, slow breathing.  Take one deep breath in through the nose.  Hold it for five full seconds and slowly breath out through pursed lips forcing the air out with your diaphragm.  Repeat this 40 times.  The moment of stress will be reduced with this simple exercise. More oxygen in your blood. 

 2. Exercise!!!  Get off the couch, put the television remote away and take a nice leisurely walk around the block, the park or just down the street. Get outside!!!  Breath air...clear your head of 'stuff'. 

3. Get a good nights sleep every night.  Catching up on the weekends does nothing but make you sore, sorry.

4. See your chiropractor often to keep your body running smooth so that your efforts above are as effective as possible.

5. smile at your antagonist...it will drive them crazy. 
 Dr. B