Stress and Being StressWise

The term “stress” derives from the Latin term stringere, which means to “draw tight”.

When stressed, we feel tense, tight and restricted in body, mind, emotions, breathing and behaviour.

Stress is now a major societal problem of epidemic proportions in the western world with the majority of the population regularly experiencing stress.

Some effects of stress include:

Physical: Body tension and tightness, strain, high/low blood pressure, strokes, immune disorders, obesity, heart disease, headaches, poor digestion, hormonal imbalance, stomach ulcers, shingles, low energy, insomnia and poor sleeping, shortness of breath and poor breathing.

Emotional: Anxiety, panic attacks, depression, fear, worry, lack of self-esteem and confidence, development of alcoholism, drug and cigarette addiction, frustration, irritability, mood swings, anger, disinterest, agitation, dizziness, lack of purpose, impatience, isolation, suicide.

Mental: Lack of clarity, concentration, focus and alertness, loss of memory, confusion, pessimism, negative attitude about one’s self and life, inability to cope, hopelessness, mental strain and a constantly busy mind.

When stressed or under too much pressure we tend to live in “overdrive” and at times on the edge or in a state of burnout.

The body’s organs and systems function with effort and strain, we become fatigued and irritable and oxygen levels become depleted as breathing becomes shallow and restricted.

Over time, these conditions become the “norm” as we learn to adjust and soldier on. The body, mind and emotions find it difficult to relax as our breathing, busy mind, body organs and systems are all functioning in high gear.

We cannot escape the responsibilities and frailties of life but we can learn how to manage it.

We need to be constantly releasing stress and constricted states, so there is not a continual build up.

By learning to “let go” and relax you will feel less contracted as stress and tension release.
 
 

Being StressWise teaches you skills to free up your body, mind, emotions, breathing, behaviour and life.

As you become freer you feel lighter, happier and more positive in your attitude about  yourself and your life.

Ashley Perrow, Special Education Teacher, Gold Coast, Qld

Feel Lighter and Brighter