Relax – Stress Might Make You Sick

Science has already proven that stress is a causative or aggravating factor in many common diseases, from asthma to stomach problems. Many of us just accept it as a part of life, and think, “that’s just the way it is.”

Let’s look at how stress affects the body. Your body has two functioning modes, in laymen’s terms; we call it “rest and digest” and “fight or flight.”

“Rest and digest” is when your body is at ease, adrenaline levels are low, breathing is deep, blood pressure is low, blood vessels are dilated and the immune system is doing its work keeping bacteria and viruses in check. Everything is in harmony.

“Fight or flight” results from clinging to our concerns. Blood pressure rises, the adrenal glands pump out adrenaline, breathing is shallow, muscles are tense and the immune system is “on hold.” Everything is in suspense.
It’s clear from the description that the “rest and digest” mode is where we’ll feel our best and the “fight or flight” mode is best reserved for when were doing just that, fighting or fleeing.

These days life is so busy and we all have too many concerns. It seems we can’t even live without our adrenals working overtime. Is there any way we can actually function in a relaxed state? Yes, there is!

When viewed objectively, we find it is possible to be relaxed and move quickly. How? By changing our minds! Organization is a good first step. But it’s not enough.
Try this: drop your shoulders, close your mouth, take a deep breath, relax your face and just be in the moment. Clear your mind. Let ambitions and daily problems melt away.

In short, when our minds get overwhelmed our bodies go into the “fight or flight” mode; as our arteries narrow, so does our thinking, and then we are not relaxed. This stress will eventually bring about different forms of cellular breakdown leading to disease.