|
|
|
|
Stress is a part of our lives. It is omnipresent. Our body has different ways of dealing with stress.
The GAS (General Adaptation Syndrome) model, given by Selye, captures the body's response to stress adequately. There are three stages in GAS-
- The
Alarm Stage - During the first phase the Autonomic nervous system is
activated by the stressor (event/events that causes stress).
- The Resistance stage - The body adapts to stress by using various coping mechanisms.
- Exhaustion
stage - If the stress persists and the body is unable to handle it
then there is exhaustion in which the body suffers damage . {1}
How Does Chronic Stress Affect Our Health?
Autonomic
nervous system plays a crucial role in stress. It is part of the
peripheral nervous system. It regulates the muscles and glands.
It is involved in the crucial functions such as digestion, respiration,
blood circulation etc. It has two divisions. The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system prepares
the organism for fight or flight response during emergency. It
increases the blood pressure and the heart rate while slowing down the
digestion process.
The parasympathetic nervous system
on the other hand slows down the body's functions and conserves energy. It brings down the heart rate, the blood pressure, etc and enhances
digestion. During stress the ANS stimulates the adrenal glands which
release cortisol and adrenaline. Cortisol works in replenishing energy
supplies to the body. Adrenaline levels increase when there
is stress. The cortisol level is also high during stress. These are adaptive resources that maintain stability during change and emergency.
However the real problem occurs when the systems involved in maintaining stability don't stop. They remain active even
when not needed. This is what happens in chronic stress. The
over-activity of ANS leads to physiological problems such as
hyperglycemia (high level of cortisol leads to increased sugar in the
blood), high blood pressure, cholesterol increase, gastritis and other physical problems.
How can EFT Help With Stress? 
EFT
is a compelling tool for stress. It can reduce high stress levels,
decrease anxiety, chronic worry and in the long run eventually help
in decreasing the elevated blood pressure and blood sugar level. Its
application over the phone is very beneficial since it saves
time and travel for you. EFT equips you with tools that you can apply
anytime & anywhere. It deceases anxiety in minutes and is a great way to
manage stress. Daily use of EFT on the stress producing events and
thoughts can reduce your stress levels immensely.
Subscribe to Personal Peace Newsletter
|
References:
1. Davison, G. C., & Neale, J. M. (1996). Abnormal Psychology . New York: John Wiley and Sons Inc.
|
|
|