Stress Management
When we experience more than we can handle, our bodies respond with a "fight-or-flight" response that enables us to avoid danger, react quickly and/or work harder than normal to address specific needs. This stress response is a survival mechanism and is normal and natural to the body. Hormones are released that speed up our heart rate, increase our breathing and give us an energy boost.
However, many people live in such a way that stress happens more often or lasts longer than is healthy for their bodies. As a result, they suffer physical, mental and spiritual "burn-out," often with serious consequences to their health and wellness. Living in a constant state of stress, or failing to properly manage stress, has been linked to several acute and chronic health conditions, including, but not limited to, the following:
- weakened immune system (making it difficult to fight of infection and disease);
- headaches;
- back pain or other muscle soreness/tightness;
- problems sleeping;
- upset stomach, nausea or diarrhea;
- depression, moodiness and/or tension;
- rapid heartbeat or breathing;
- cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure, heart attack and atherosclerosis;
- sexual dysfunction or irregular menstrual cycles;
- skin problems;
- feelings of irritability, anxiety, worry, self-doubt and quick-temperedness.
Not everyone is affected by stress in the same way. Some people have inherited traits that can either help them or hinder them as they experience stress. A person's own coping strategies and social support can also affect her/his ability to manage stress. Regardless of how a person deals with or perceives stress, however, there are many life events that may lead to ongoing problems managing his/her own stress levels. Common events that can trigger prolonged stress episodes are:
- life transitions and developmental progressions, such as becoming a teenager, hitting mid-life or retirement, getting married or divorced, having a child or coping with the death of a loved one;
- health conditions that can limit or change your lifestyle, such as cancer, accident recovery, heart disease, arthritis or diabetes;
- relationship difficulties or loneliness;
- unhappiness with your occupation;
- social factors, such as poverty or discrimination;
- emotional factors, such as grief, depression, unexpressed or uncontrolled anger or low self-esteem.
Much research and attention has been given in the last few years to the causes, effects and treatment of stress (see our library of articles by well-known health sources). Here at Immune Recovery and Wellness, P.C., we offer many proven methods that can help you more effectively manage stress and avoid or remedy the harmful effects it has on your body, mind and spirit, including:
- personal coaching or counseling;
- yoga and other forms of combined meditation and exercise;
- massage;
- acupuncture;
- breathing techniques and transformational breath work;
- nutritional support;
- and more.
We would be happy to consult with you regarding your questions and concerns. To contact us for more information, or to schedule a consultation, please click here to be taken to our contact information page.
If you would like more information on Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), please click here.
For more information on the staff here at IRW, please click here.
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