Sometimes I imagine myself floating on my back in a swimming pool. In my imagination, the sun warms my body, but does not burn. The water, cold when I entered, is now the perfect temperature. The coolness balances the warmth of the sun. Buoyed by the water the muscles in my arms and legs loosen. They seem to enjoy the break from steadying me and keeping me from falling. My head rolls back taking the pressure off my neck. It too does not have to work, just float. Pressure and stress dissipate as I continue to float.
This image of total relaxation is one that I use when I need to take a moment during a stressful day. Some call it a vacation. I consider it a necessity.
Threats
The stress response developed to protect the body from the dangers of physical threats from prehistoric animals. Although mankind no longer faces the same threats, the stress response remains. Today, perceived or imagined threats initiate the stress response. Perceived threats are driven by thoughts and feelings. When your supervisor unexpectedly calls you into the office, you may think something is wrong. Your thought causes you to feel frightened. This initiates the stress response.
An example of an imagined threat follows. You were invited to attend an event sponsored by an organization you want to join. It feels as if you will be on display and this makes you feel inadequate. The feeling causes you to imagine negative encounters with the attendees. As you imagine these encounters, the stress response starts.
Feeling
The stress response begins long before we become aware of it. The hypothalamus kicks into gear as soon as a real or perceived threat is experienced. The adrenal and pituitary glands begin to secrete adrenaline, cortisol, and norepinephrine. By the time we recognize the physical results, we are wired and ready to fight or flee.
Sometimes we become accustomed to the feeling of stress in our bodies. This is caused by constant exposure to stress inducing occurrences. Muscle tightness, wired, on edge feelings become the norm. This is not how the body should feel. The body should only feel this way when it is under a real threat. Once the threat has passed, it should return to a natural state of rest.
Lifestyle imbalances also contribute to constant stress. Working through lunch contributes to imbalance. Some eat lunch at their desks. Others take a lunch break only to talk about work or work concerns. Bringing work or work concerns home also add to lifestyle imbalances.
There are four main results I want clients to get because of stress management consultations.
Understand what stress is and how it affects the body
We talk about stress as if it is a onetime occurrence. Stress is a physical response to any demand made upon the body. Understanding the stress response and its effects provides a foundation for developing adequate interventions.
Recognize their own personal signs of stress
Stress is Personal. One size fits all interventions do not fit all. For this reason, it is beneficial to understand personal stress signals. This provides a starting point for incorporating personalized stress relief techniques into the daily routine.
Gain awareness of the imbalances
As previously state, lifestyle imbalances contribute to increased stress. However, activities and actions that lead to imbalance often go overlooked. Together we can address these imbalances during a stress management session.
Include personalized stress relief and stress management into their lifestyles
Our lives are governed by daily habits and patterns. I encourage stress management clients to create habits and patterns that limit the negative effects of stress. This includes regular personalized stress relief and actions that create balance.
“I want to be happy, whole, satisfied and successful. What about you?”
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