Tag Archives: Fight-or-flight response

The Visible Effects of Stress – Get a Grip on Anxiety and Ease a Troubled Face — and Mind

Eons ago, back when evading predators and foraging for food were humankind’s main activities, stress was essential to survival. The body’s fight-or-flight response to stress in the face of danger set off a chain reaction of physiological changes, priming the body for action and increasing the likelihood of escaping physical harm. These days stress isContinue reading “The Visible Effects of Stress – Get a Grip on Anxiety and Ease a Troubled Face — and Mind”

Breathing for Life – Are We Suffocating Ourselves?

Massage restores proper breathing, a key element to physical and emotional vitality. I didn’t breathe during most of my 20s — or at least I didn’t breathe fully. I had no idea my chronically tight shoulders, constricted intestines, insomnia and unyielding jaw tension were so closely related to my limited breath. To regain my health,Continue reading “Breathing for Life – Are We Suffocating Ourselves?”

Body Inventory – Tips to De-stress

The ability to recognize how your body reacts to stressors in your life can be a powerful skill. However, most people are more aware of the weather, the time of day, or their bank balance than they are of their own personal stress response. Your body registers stress long before the conscious mind does. MuscleContinue reading “Body Inventory – Tips to De-stress”

“Jangled” Adults – Touch and the Stress Response System

Soothing touch, whether it be applied to a ruffled cat, a crying infant, or a frightened child, has a universally recognized power to ameliorate the signs of distress. How can it be that we overlook its usefulness on the jangled adult as well? What is it that leads us to assume that the stressed childContinue reading ““Jangled” Adults – Touch and the Stress Response System”

Body Inventory – Tips to De-stress

The ability to recognize how your body reacts to stressors in your life can be a powerful skill. However, most people are more aware of the weather, the time of day, or their bank balance than they are of their own personal stress response. Your body registers stress long before the conscious mind does. MuscleContinue reading “Body Inventory – Tips to De-stress”

What are the Symptoms of Stress?

Stress affects us all. You may notice symptoms of stress when disciplining your kids, during busy times at work, when managing your finances, or when coping with a challenging relationship. Stress is everywhere. And while a little stress is OK — some stress is actually beneficial — too much stress can wear you down andContinue reading “What are the Symptoms of Stress?”