Let’s talk about stress; a term frequently mentioned in clinics, yet often underestimated in its significance and the profound effects it can have on our well-being.
Simply explained a stress is the pressure exerted onto something or someone. Frequently, individuals claim they “do not feel stressed,” dismissing it as a factor, even when facing stressful situations that influence both their physical and mental well-being.
There are three primary sources of stress: Physical, Chemical and Emotional
- Physical: Involves activities such as sitting for prolonged periods, carrying heavy items, and exercise.
- Chemical: Encompasses factors like consuming junk food, exposure to pollution, and alcohol intake.
- Emotional: Arises from issues like heavy workloads, family difficulties, and being overly busy.
Your nervous system plays a crucial role in managing the stress response, overseeing your body’s reaction to external and internal stimuli. Comprising the brain, spinal cord, and an intricate network of nerves, the nervous system engages the sympathetic side during stress, leading to the well-known ‘fight or flight’ response. Conversely, when relaxed, the parasympathetic side initiates the ‘rest and digest’ response.
Here’s a breakdown of what happens when each side of the nervous system responds:
| SYMPATHETIC | PARASYMPATHETIC |
| Increased heart rate | Decreased heart rate |
| Digestion decrease | Digestion increase |
| Lungs increase capacity | Lungs decrease capacity |
| Liver and kidneys increase production | |
| Sweat glands secrete | |
| Muscle blood vessels dilate | |
| Immune system dialled down | Immune system dialled up |
These physiological changes impact both mental and physical well-being. We’ve all experienced bodily tension after a disagreement or bad news, the shakiness following a sudden stop in traffic due to heightened adrenaline and blood flow to your muscles.
Our ‘fight or flight’ response was developed in our bodies to protect us when we were prey to other animals – your immune protection for any future viruses or infections was unimportant in the moment because it didn’t matter if you caught an infection in 2 weeks if a saber-toothed cat ate you in 5 minutes. All the bodies energy was directed to towards immediate survival. Now we are not in danger from saber-toothed cats but we experience stress in other ways and our bodies still react as if we are in imminent danger.
Prolonged stress periods keep our stress response active, as depicted in the table above. Consequently, our digestion and immune system operate less effectively, leading to digestive issues and increased susceptibility to illnesses. Understanding the profound impact of stress on both our physical and mental health emphasises the importance of adopting strategies to manage and mitigate its effects. Incorporating mindfulness practices, regular exercise, and fostering strong social connections are crucial steps in maintaining overall well-being and resilience against the effects of stress.
