When people talk about stress, they are talking about the effects of pressures on our body, or emotions.   These pressures can be external such as life events like pandemics, losing a love one, job interviews or social pressures.  Sometimes people feel these pressures internally like when we feel we have little control over situations or feel pressure to do something we do not want to do.  

So what are these effects on the body?  When we experience stress our body produces stress hormones and neurotransmitters that trigger a “fight or flight or freeze” response to help us problem-solve or keep us safe.  Stress is your body’s way to give you energy to take action.  Feelings of being overwhelmed or being crippled by inaction or when it becomes chronic it is a time to get some help.  

Our ability to deal with stress differs due to our social or economic situations, genetics, traumas (both emotional or physical), and personality.  Sometimes this fight or flight or freeze response can become chronic and cause feelings of being “stressed out.”

Luckily there are lots of things you can do to help change your biological response by using a variety approaches which can help you cope with the stress using talk therapy, herbs, vitamins, diet, exercise, meditation, lifestyle changes, acupuncture and more.  Over the upcoming weeks I’ll discuss more specifics to point you in the right direction.