The Bottom Line
The Bottom Line Chronic Stress Effect:
Common Enemy of Mind & BodyChronic Stress Effect: Common Enemy of Mind & Body
The body and the mind share a common enemy when it comes to obstacles to health: chronic stress. Research notes:
“…chronic stress has a significant effect on the immune system that ultimately manifest an illness. It raises catecholamine and suppressor T cells levels, which suppress the immune system. This suppression, in turn raises the risk of viral infection. Stress also leads to the release of histamine, which can trigger severe broncho-constriction in asthmatics. Stress increases the risk for diabetes mellitus, especially in overweight individuals, since psychological stress alters insulin needs. Stress also alters the acid concentration in the stomach, which can lead to peptic ulcers, stress ulcers or ulcerative colitis. Chronic stress can also lead to plaque buildup in the arteries (atherosclerosis), especially if combined with a high-fat diet and sedentary living. The correlation between stressful life events and psychiatric illness is stronger than the correlation with medical or physical illness. The relationship of stress with psychiatric illness is strongest in neuroses, which is followed by depression and schizophrenia.” (Source)
The takeaway? Addressing chronic stress will change your experience of health. Because nearly 80% of appointments in the medical field are stress related, your physician may have told you to “decrease stress” as you address your cholesterol, blood pressure, and ulcers. Your therapist has probably worked with you to discover the way your stress levels impact your mental health.
As you venture into a healthier 2017 in both body and mind, adding habits to manage stress will benefit both. Breaths become deeper, cortisol levels lower, digestion becomes more effective, sleep deepens and lengthens, and the mind gains clarity and focus. Talk to your therapist about the tools to a healthier body and mind by addressing the weight of chronic stress in your life.
Christmas cards and commercials are created to make us feel as if every waking hour from Thanksgiving to January 1 should be filled with magical moments with family and friends. We’re socialized to appear “happy” during these celebratory times of year. We know this isn’t always the situation. Rather, the last two months of the year tend to make people feel guilty and ashamed if you don’t feel happy and joyful. Instead of trying to muster up the “happy” of the holidays, consider spending your energy mindfully approaching the season:
It may seem as if the holiday season is a non-stop buffet, be it an office party, family gatherings, or dinner with friends. For those of us who like to remain conscious about what we allow into our body and how it affects our mind and personhood, these settings can get tricky. We often leave gatherings either unsatisfied with our abstinence or laden with guilt over our indulgence. How can we allow ourselves room to celebrate the joy of the season without treating our bodies and minds as garbage cans?
As we move into a season of exchanging gifts, it’s easy to confuse the spirit of generosity with the act of shopping. 