Understanding Stress The Mind Body Connection

Stress and Heart Disease When stress is left unmanaged, it can lead to psychological and physical problems.

Chronic stress exposes our bodies to unhealthy, persistently elevated levels of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol….. Increased heart rate, respiratory rate, & blood pressure. Muscle tension. Feelings of anxiety, anger, hostility, & depression…..

Common Stressors *Illness—personal or family member/friend*Death of a loved one*Starting a new job, unemployment or retirement*Personal relationship problems with family/friends*Work overload (taking on too much work/responsibility)*Financial concerns*Daily hassles

Compulsive eating Overuse of alcohol or other drugs Withdrawal from relationships or social situations Anger, hostility Mood swings Negative thinking Sadness/depression Anxiety/nervousness Constant worry Inability to concentrate Forgetfulness Poor memory Indecisiveness Dizziness/headaches Restlessness Muscle tension Difficulty sleeping-  fatigue Indigestion Weight gain or loss Physical Cognitive Behavioral Emotional

Stress itself is a contributing factor in Heart Disease

What Stress Hormones do to raise our risk of Heart Disease Constrict our blood vessels  Increasing Blood pressure and Heart rate. Increase the amount of circulating fats and cholesterol. Increase in storage of fat. Increases blood sugar levels. Increases water retention. Decreases clotting time, by increasing the number of circulating platelets. Can cause an erratic heartbeat.

More Negative Effects of Stress Increases our risk of Type II Diabetes. Slows wound healing. Depresses our immune system. Exacerbates cases of asthma, Chron’s Disease, Ulcers, skin conditions such as psoriasis, flare ups of shingles. Affects the digestive system-  nausea, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation, & heartburn. Impairs our memory and ability to learn new things. Increases our chances of having problems with depression and anxiety. Chronic headaches, neck-shoulder-back pain due to chronic muscle tension.

Different Forms of Stress Varying types of People We cannot Run from Stress………..So…… Whenever possible decrease the demands placed on you and your time. And increase your use of coping strategies, to keep life in balance: Exercise (All forms, including yoga, tai chi, etc.) Hobbies Social support (Friends and Family are very important) Relaxation strategies/techniques (Deep breathing, listening to music, meditation, guided imagery, etc.) Learn to say NO!!!!

Somehow we must develop faith And trust in our self Anything the mind can conceive And believe, the mind can “achieve.” The thought manifests as the word. The word manifests as the deed. The deed develops into habit. And the habit hardens into character. So watch the thought and its ways with care! From a Course in Miracles