Can Stress be a Good Thing?

Have you ever walked into a room to find out you were being honored by your friends with a surprise party...SURPRISE? How about that moment when you are watching a good movie and you aren't sure if your favorite character is going to survive? You heart is beating fast for a few seconds and then calms down as you process what is really going on!

That is what we call fight or flight. Some 100 plus years ago we needed to use this built-in instinct for survival. If you were being chased by a wild animal you would want to put all of your energy in focusing on getting out of the bad situation FAST!

Unfortunately today we are living in a chronic state of stress, which never gives your body an opportunity to calm down and find the balance that it craves. What is the big deal you ask? We are all stressed right? Well, it is a big deal. A REALLY big deal. When you are stressed your body releases two hormones, adrenaline and cortisol. When they are shot out into your blood system they give you that boost of energy you will need to survive. Since all hands are on deck when this is happening your body shuts down your immune system and digestive system because they aren't needed for the immediate task at hand...survival.

That is were the problems begin. If your immune system and digestive system are put on hold for a week or two, a month or even more, that reeks havoc on your body. It is a perfect opportunity for disease to set in as you are not being protected.

It may seem nearly impossible to find relief from stress from your daily life, but it is imperative that you do! and NOW! Carve out time for a walk after work, schedule time into your work routine for a chance to get away from your desk and have lunch with a friend, watch a funny movie! Laughter is great medicine!

It may seem like an impossible task, but finding a stress coping mechanism that works for you will go along way to keeping you healthy!