Say Good-bye to Stress

Ever wonder why you feel so bad when you’re stressed? Here’s why. When stressed, your body quickly responds by increasing the stress hormones—adrenaline and cortisol. Progesterone levels fall as it is continuously used to make more cortisol. Blood flow decreases to kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, and skin causing everything from toxin buildup and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) to accelerated aging of the cells. While progesterone levels and blood flow fall, blood sugar, cholesterol, fatty acids, heart rate and blood pressure rise. In addition, the immunity system is suppressed. No wonder you don’t feel so good! If these physical stress-responses are not used for either “fight or flight”, they become residue (leftovers), blocking the normal function of our bodies.

What causes stress?

In order to prevent stress you need to identify the cause of the stress. Sometimes you know exactly what is causing your stress--a deadline at work, a pile of unpaid bills, or a relationship that’s not working out. Sometimes it’s more difficult to find the source of your problem.
What often happens is that many relatively mild stressors occur at the same time. These can bring on the same stress as a larger problem.
Some people experience stress from events that occurred in the past (post-traumatic stress disorder).

See any of these stressors in your life?

Change of any kind
Emotional insecurities
Pressures (self-induced and external)
Quantitative (too much) work
Qualitative (too hard) work
Conflicts (work, social, family)
Frustrations
Competition (work, social, family)
Pollution (noise, air)
Sense of helplessness

We all experience some of these stressors. But if stress is reducing your quality of life, it may be time to make some changes.

Natural treatment of stress
Once you identify the source of your stress, you must take action—either removing yourself from it or addressing the situation. Even if you cannot get away entirely from the stressor, try to step away for a few seconds or minutes.

-physically remove yourself – walk away
-mentally remove yourself – take a time out
-breathe and use stress management techniques

Taking this break is important since it allows you a moment to relax and formulate a plan for dealing with the problem at hand. Having a plan alone can be a great stress reliever and give you positive steps you can take in finding a permanent solution.

If you are can’t identity the source of your stress, you may need to seek help from family, friends, or a spiritual adviser. If you don’t find assistance and relief and continue to be chronically stressed, you should make an appointment with your healthcare provider or a mental health counselor to help determine the source of the stress.

Natural treatments

Natural Progesterone cream – helps prevent depletion of progesterone and symptoms associated with estrogen dominance.

Exercise - forget about exercise as a chore. Find something you love to do and make time in your life to do it!

Yoga, Meditation, Massage therapy – some or all of these may work for you. If you aren’t familiar with these resources, why not try something new?

Dietary adjustments – we all know what we are supposed to avoid, but making simple changes little by little can add up to big changes over time.

Spiritual awareness – finding and nurturing the spiritual part of you can lead to a sense of peace and contentment that also reduces stress.

Life style changes – carving out some time every day for yourself, making time to eat right, learning to say “No”—all contribute to less stress. Try starting with one.

For more information on preventing and treating your stress without using drugs, visit some of the sites listed below. Remember, your goal is not to eliminate stress entirely from your life, but to manage your stress well, so that you optimize your health and well being. Take one small step today…you won’t be sorry!

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/stress_management_relief_coping.htm
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=46922
http://www.spineuniverse.com/displayarticle.php/article832.html