The Truth About Stress
Is stress good or bad? The simple answer is, “Both.”
Stress Can Be Positive
“Good” stress (eustress) can be identified as being the excitement, nervousness, or worry over a temporary obstacle that is inherently manageable. Good stress notifies us that something requires our attention and provides us with motivation and inspiration. It even refreshes our flight or flight response, keeping us alert and safe. Basically, if it makes us feel invigorated, challenged and motivated, it is probably good stress.
Stress Can Be Negative
“Bad” stress (distress) can be identified as being chronic, ongoing stress that often results in a lack of drive or inability to complete daily tasks. In other words, if it leaves us tired, worn and unenthusiastic, it is probably bad stress.
So, why talk about this? Because negative stress has undesirable effects on our bodies and our health.
The Effects of Stress on the Body
The moment the stress response is activated, this happens in the body:
Heart rate speeds up
Blood pressure increases
Respiration quickens
Adrenaline, non-adrenaline and cortisol released
Blood flow is routed away from digestion and to the arms and legs
Digestion system shuts down
Short term, these responses are not harmful.
Long term exposure to negative stress creates chemical changes in the body
which often results in illnesses like the following:
• Weight gain (especially in the belly)
• Decreased nutrient absorption
• Increased nutrient excretion
• Immune problems, skin disorders, nutrient deficiencies, and digestive distress.
• High blood pressure.
• Ability to burn calories is diminished.
• Decreased in metabolic activity.
• Stress by itself will raise LDL levels.
• Heart disease.
• Lower sex drive, low energy, decreased muscle mass.
• Increase in inflammation
• Constipation, a risk factor in diseases of the colon.
• Food allergies, sensitivities, and various disease conditions.
• Digestive upset.
• Increased food sensitivities, allergies, and leaky gut.
• Decrease in growth hormone: A key hormone in growing, healing and rebuilding body tissues; helps to burn fat and build muscle.
• Diabetes
• Gastric reflux (also known as heartburn).
• Premature aging of the body
• Increase in risk of osteoporosis
• Chronic fatigue.
Would you like help decoding how stress is making you sick and what to do about it?
Go to ideallifehealthcoaching.com and book your discovery session with me. In this 45-minute session, I’m going to lead you through a process to help you:
• Uncover what’s been stopping you, slowing you down or keeping you from releasing stress.
• Develop a powerful vision for what reducing stress will mean for you and your life.
• Discover which foods and lifestyle habits sap your energy... and what to do about it.
• Get crystal clear on a step-by-step plan to let go of your stress in 90 days or less.
If you’re ready to uncover what’s been stopping you, slowing you down or keeping you from feeling stress free, then NOW is the perfect time to schedule a private “Reduce the Stress Discovery Session” with me.
I’ll help you discover which foods and lifestyle habits will relieve your stress... and what to do about it.
