FIGHT OR FLIGHT
When we perceive that there is a threat to our existence our bodies respond by producing the hormone adrenaline.
· Our heart pounds faster
· muscles tighten
· breath quickens
· senses sharpen
· blood pressure rises.
These physical changes increase our strength and stamina, speed up our reaction time and enhance our focus – preparing us to either fight or flee from the threat at hand and so increase our chances of survival.
These are useful when facing real, physical, danger but can cause problems in modern life where we often have an anxious response to situations that are not physically threatening but nevertheless feel scary to us.
SOME MAIN STRESSORS ARE
- money matters
- job issues
- relationships
- bereavement
- family problems
- moving house
We are now living at such a pace that we activate our stress hormones all the time for example - when we are going to miss a train or our computer crashes or we receive a letter marked 'inland revenue' or miss a deadline, to name just a few.
Our stress hormones get most of us as fired-up as sprinters crouched and waiting for the starting-gun. Most people don't get the release of the race itself nor do they give their bodies and minds sufficient time and space to rest after each stress-filled moment.
With no release, your stress hormones keep on working, which is why there are so many people who show signs of road or supermarket-trolly rage, and so on.
LONG TERM STRESS
Long-term or high levels of stress disrupt nearly every system in your body. It can raise blood pressure, suppress the immune system, increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, contribute to infertility and speed up the aging process. It can leave you vulnerable to anxiety and depression.
THIS CAN LEAD TO:
· Increased drinking and smoking
· Skin conditions such as eczema
· OCD
· Insomnia
· Nervousness
· Weight problems
· Digestive problems
· Gambling
· Heart disease
WHAT CAN HELP?
The following can help relieve tension
· Stop or cut down smoking and alcohol consumption
· Make time for regular holistic therapies
· Exercise
· Make a decision to change how we perceive things
· Get enough rest and sleep
· Learn to relax – meditation, relaxation and/or deep breathing exercises are good for this.
ABOUT ENERGY
The entire universe and all living things including us are made of a powerful energy. It vibrates at different levels. Energy vibrating at the lowest level forms matter which is our physical body.
The Chinese have known about this force for thousands of years and call it ‘Qi’ (pronounced ‘chee’). It is a force similar to electrical or magnetic energy. Meridians carry this energy throughout our body systems.
Our aura surrounds our physical body and is made of energy layers each vibrating at a higher frequency than the preceding one. An important part of the aura is energy centres that act as transmitters and receivers of energy to and from our personal field and the energies around us.
Emotional upsets, stress, poor lifestyles, disease and our thoughts affect the performance of these transmitters and the flow of energy.
These centres are known as chakras. Releasing blockages from the chakras and balancing our energy vibrations restore the energy flow which is vital to the body’s ability to heal itself.
Holistic therapies are intended to restore the flow of energy with the intention of encouraging the bodies natural inclination to heal itself.