Are you managing your stress levels?

28/04/2010 by admin.

When we are stressed, the body produces hormones adrenalin and noradrenaline as it goes into ‘fight or flight’ response.  

As a result of a release of these chemicals our bodies react by: 

• raising blood sugar levels so that we have the energy to deal with the stress

• increased breathing rate to aid more oxygen circulating around the body

• blood is diverted from some areas such as stomach to priority areas. This is why we often don’t feel like eating when under a lot of stress

• we tend to sweat more – this allows the body to dispose of toxins and keep the body cool

• our pupils dilate to allow better vision

• our muscles tense so that they are ready to react to the situation

• our pulse rate and blood pressure increase this enables more blood to pump around the body so that we are ready to react to the situation

Managed stress can be a positive thing but when stress gets out of control or is too frequent it can impact our health resulting in high blood pressure, a precursor to a stroke or heart disease.  Exercise is a great way to reduce stress, it helps to bring blood pressure down and utilises the hormones noted above.  I’ve used exercise for many years as a great way to reduce my stress.  It enables me to think through solutions and I get most of my best ideas when I am training.  Training leaves me feeling calmer and puts me in a good mood. 

If you find you are frequently stressed, make a note in a dairy of these issues which affect you and take time to come up with strategies to help you cope with stress.  Ask friends for advice on how to cope with stress, sometimes having a different perspective can be useful.  Also watch how people that manage stress well deal with it or ask them how they stay calm in stressful situations.

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