Could You Be Increasing Your OWN Stress Level?
Author: Susie Mantell

WHAT, EXACTLY, IS "STRESS"?
Simply put, stress is a signal that something needs to change. It's the body-mind's innate response to internal and external factors that disrupt normal functioning or disturb emotional, cognitive or physical well-being. Perhaps you've heard stories of, say, a 5' 2" mother suddenly lifting a car to save her baby? That's the "Fight or Flight" response of the central nervous system that occurs whenever stress, fear, anger or pain are present...in this case working FOR her! In this automatic reaction, pulse quickens, blood flow to the large muscle groups increases (as if literally preparing do battle ...or run for our lives!) Respiration quickens and becomes more shallow, and stress hormones release to help us do what we must. But when these resources are summoned unnecessarily and habitually, due to excessive stress levels, it sends an "emergency" signal that sets in motion a mechanism that can tax our intricate systems. Mindful relaxation, for example meditation, is a kind of physiological self-regulator, to counter the "Fight or Flight" response and when we enter a meditative state, muscles begin to relax, respiration and blood-flow slow, as adrenaline and cortisol levels shift. This clearing process allows the inner wisdom of the mind-body into awareness, often permitting some profound psychological and physiological healing to take place. While meditation, moderate exercise and other relaxation techniques may not necessarily cure, they are a powerful, drug-free complement to professional health care. Symptoms can often be substantially diminished, thereby greatly enriching the quality of life!

COULD YOU BE INCREASING YOUR OWN STRESS LEVEL?
Stress happens....to us all....every day. It is how we cope that will determine its impact. How we experience an event... determines its "stress value" for us.
Here are 4 women's responses to the exact same event: A FLAT TIRE
-"Oh,no! This TOO MUCH! My life is ruined....Hello, 'Suicide Prevention'?"
-"What a pain! Oh well, I'll call AAA, and then get on with my day..."
-"Gee! Glad I took that Auto Shop class. This'll be a piece-a-cake!"
-"WOW! That AAA guy was a babe! This must be my lucky day!"

Internal Stress-Triggers are determined by individual bio-chemistry, (e.g. number of endorphin receptor sites, heredity, predisposition toward addictive disease, sensitivities/allergies, etc.)
External Stress-Triggers may be determined by conditioning (e.g. How your mom handled stress), witnessing addictive behaviors acted out, environmental factors, relationships, quality of life, the media, job satisfaction, etc. (FOR TEENS: Stress of Puberty includes body issues and hormonal swings, acne, perspiration, exams, sexuality, over/under-eating, family relationships, academic demands, authority and autonomy issues, peer pressure etc.)

HOW IS STRESS DANGEROUS?
Remember...Stress is cumulative, therefore its effects on health, inner peace, relationships, and even appearance, are also cumulative. But so is Stress-Reduction. Ongoing daily practices are just like money in the bank for a rainy day. Modifying our response to both internal and external stressors may provide:
o Inner calm & serenity
o More efficient use of nutrients
o Better oxygenation of skin, hair and nails
o Release of endorphins which diminish pain and elevate mood
o Strengthened immunity

Unaddressed stress can compromise health, suppress immunity, depress mood, drain confidence, deplete self-esteem, tax relationships and entire organizations. Some stressors are obvious, but there are others of which we may not be aware, such as ambient noise, air quality, food sensitivities, smells, visual over-stimulation, fatigue. Multiple stressors have a cumulative effect, compounding and increasing impact.

FOUR WINTER STRESS TIPS
- Drink Plenty of Water We're not as naturally thirsty in cold weather, and tend to choose hot beverages, which are harder to drink in quantity. Get in those vital, 8 glasses of water to flush toxins, hydrate skin and aid digestion. Too much coffee makes us irritable, distractible... which can produce scowls, frowns and knitted brows that push people away. (Not to mention creating wrinkles!)
- Seasonal Affective Disorder ("S.A.D.") Many experience clinical winter blues. If you suspect you’re one of them, talk with a trusted healthcare professional. It’s real…and there are natural lights, herbal remedies such as St. John’s Wort and Kava available to help you through a slump, but get professional advice on dosage, risks, contraindications, etc.
- Limit sugar and alcohol consumption. "Sugar Blues" are often confused with clinical depression, illness or a common ailment known as "crabbiness." Tense? Irritable? Depressed? Reducing caffeine, sugar and alcohol just may do the trick!
- Remind yourself to smile! Rushing along cold, windy streets, bundled up, head down, we often forget to look others in the eye and connect. Smiling actually releases endorphins—Yours AND theirs. Go ahead and smile…THEN move on and "accomplish." The day you save could be your own! ?br>
NOTE: Relax...Intuit(tm)L.L.C. offers Susie Mantell's support as an adjunct to, but not a substitute for, professional health care. Consult your personal physician regarding any practices or suggestions that might in any way affect your health and safety.








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Stress-relief expert Susie Mantell's award-winning relaxation CD,"Your Present: A Half-Hour of Peace" has been featured in The Los Angeles Times, NBC,ABC -TV, Billboard, Town & Country, Memorial Sloan-Kettering, The American Pain Society, Hazelden, and is clinically approved to soothe stress, sleeplessness, PTSD and depression. Listeners include The Mayo Clinic, and Canyon Ranch ("BEST SPA.") Customizing programs for Fortune 500 companies, distinguished medical centers and spas, Mantell's techniques are seen in leading magazines, syndicated media, medical and corporate newsletters. [Copyright 2000, '01,'02,'03,'04 All rights reserved. Federal law prohibits use of this content in whole or part without written consent of Relax. . .Intuit (tm)L.L.C. Kindly email reprint requests to info@relaxintuit.com. Find more of Susie's
stress-relief tips, and order "Your Present: A Half-Hour of Peace" at:
http://www.relaxintuit.com

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