+ Reply to Thread
Results 1 to 4 of 4

Thread: Stress Effects and Stress Management

  1. Link to Post #1
    UK Avalon Member bogeyman's Avatar
    Join Date
    30th July 2012
    Location
    Norfolk UK
    Age
    54
    Posts
    1,537
    Thanks
    620
    Thanked 7,908 times in 1,388 posts

    Default Stress Effects and Stress Management

    From http://www.psychologicalharassment.c...management.htm :


    Stress weakens the immune system and has other serious effects on the brain and body such as cardiovascular problems, and mental illness such as depression.

    Stress also kills brain cells and lowers your learning abilities or capabilities. Specifically, long periods of stress destroys brain cells in the hippocampus and learning and memory capabilities can be greatly reduced. Another factor is that the brain absorbs information better when it is relaxed, in a positive state of mind, and receptive to the information.

    A tactic that is sometimes used, to break a person down psychologically and physically, is to induce as much stress as possible for a long period of time.

    The key is the immune system.It can be weakened to leave the person vulnerable to serious illness like cancer or it can be strengthened to fight off powerful invaders and even cancer it's self.

    Acid-Base disorders, caused by high levels of stress and sleep deprivation, leads to osteoporosis or bone loss.
    Cushing’s Syndrome, caused by high levels of stress and sleep deprivation, leads to muscle loss or muscle wasting.
    Sleep deprivation prevents the growth hormone, which builds muscle and bone, from being released in the sleep cycle.

    Humans developed survival instincts. Things that threaten our means of subsistence, being part of a group, and finding a mate can induce a lot of stress. Things that can be perceived as danger or a threat and environmental factors such as elevated sound levels or elevated illumination can cause stress. Stress can be defined as a person’s physiological response to a stimulus that triggers the fight-or-flight response. In times of stress the body responds with what is called the fight-or-flight response. The body releases the stress hormones into the blood stream such as adrenaline (epinephrine), norepinephrine, and cortisol. These stress hormones increase in response to stress. The result is that it prepares the body by making a person stronger and faster and ready for action. Stress can lead to many disorders such as anxiety, withdrawal (isolation), and depression.

    Adrenaline (epinephrine) and catecholamine hormones do some of the following: Accelerates the heart, inhibits the digestive system, inhibits sexual response, inhibit tear production and salivation, constrict the blood vessels in many parts of the body, and hearing and vision loss (tunnel vision).

    Norepinephrine accelerates the heart and also affects a part of the brain that is responsible for attention or focus and where responding actions are controlled.

    Cortisol is a corticosteroid hormone and is created by the adrenal gland. It is sometimes referred to as the stress hormone. Cortisol suppresses or weakens the immune system. Cortisol also plays a part in the regulation of blood pressure and cardiovascular functions. Cortisol can increases blood pressure, blood sugar (glucose) levels (gluconeogenesis), causes impaired cognitive performance, hardening of the arteries, increased fat storage especially on the abdomen, lower growth hormone and testosterone production, hyperglycemia, osteoporosis (bone loss), muscle loss, inhibits protein synthesis, loss of collagen in the skin, and inhibits collagen formation, and also associated to abnormal ACTH levels, depression. It increases the effectiveness of catecholamines. Long periods of elevated cortisol levels cause damage to the brain and memory. The hippocampus, a part of the brain, is damaged and this reduces learning abilities.

    Sleep deprivation can cause cortisol levels to increase by over 50%. It causes the depletion of neurotransmitters, mood regulating hormones, and this has the effect of making people more vulnerable to or to become more easily depressed. Impaired cognitive ability, out of check emotions, and poor judgment or poor logic also results from sleep deprivation. It causes a disconnect between the amygdala between the brains frontal lob, the region that controls reasoning, rational thought, and decision making and this means that the person's emotional response in not being kept in check or under control. The brain MRI pattern becomes similar to people with psychotic behavior. The brain has high per active response in emotion centers when shown negative or disturbing images. It can also lead to pre-diabetes or diabetes. The drop in leptin level tells the person that they are hungry and it contributes to obesity. Sleep Deprivation and Stress (ketoacidosis - Acidosis)

    Premature Aging. Cell aging is controlled by a part of the DNA, the ends of chromosomes, called telomeres. As we age the telomeres get shorter. When it gets disrupted by stress the telomere frays away and the cell dies.

    Mental Illness. Long periods of stress and sleep deprivation can lead to or cause mental illness.

    Common examples of stressors are:

    Environmental factors such as sound levels, physical exertion, extreme temperatures, and a cluttered environment.
    Life events and conditions such as births, deaths, personal relationships, marriage, marital or family conflicts, divorce, new employment, unemployment, and poverty.
    Work related events such as responsibilities, disorganization, work deadlines, excessive competition, and over work.
    School related events such as exams, term papers or project deadlines.
    The thymus gland plays a key role in our immune system by producing t-cell lymphocytes, cells called macrophages, which kill off bacterial invaders. The hormone Cortisol weakens Macrophages.

    Long periods of stress and the release of Cortisol can disrupt your blood sugar metabolism, lead to weight gain, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, heart attacks, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, decreased levels of testosterone, muscle and bone loss, decrease sexual function, women can develop new facial hair growth, skin disease, Cushing’s syndrome, Addison's disease, headaches, asthma, constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, eye problems, anxiety, insomnia, memory problems, trigger emotional problems, irritability, burnouts, depression, premature aging, and cancer. The adrenal glands can shrink and reduce production.

    The stress hormones have been shown to be directly toxic to memory centers and also kill brain cells. Chronic stress disrupts neuro path ways and also kills brain cells.

    Oxidative Stress, referred to as rusting, is the production of reactive oxygen species which include free radicals and peroxides. Free radicals can cause high levels of cellular damage, DNA damage, and cell death. It causes premature aging. Oxidative stress is associated to diseases such as atherosclerosis, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s. Anti-oxidants reduce oxidative stress damage.

    Post-traumatic stress disorderis when an individual recalls past events and memories, past trauma, that induce the stress response or the emotions felt at that time.
    PTSD - High levels of stress and sleep deprivation, macromineral deficiency, and high levels of cortisol can lead to PTSD.

    Immune System Suppression Caused by Stress (Psychoneuroimmunology)
    Stress decreases the number of helper T cells, suppressor T Cells, cytotoxic T cells, B cells, and the Natural Killer cells (NK). It also decreases T cell function, T cell proliferation response to phytohaemagglutinin [PHA] and concanavalin A [Con A]. Cortisol prevents proliferation of T-cells by rendering the interleukin-2 producer T-cells unresponsive to intereukin-1 and unable to produce the T-cell growth factor. Naturalistic stressors are also associated to increases in number of circulating neutrophils.

    Macromineral Deficiencies and Acid-Base Disorders
    High levels of stress and sleep deprivation can cause macromineral deficiencies and acid-base disorders (PH imbalance) in the blood called acidosis and alkalosis.
    The effects of macromineral deficiencies and acid-base disorders can be very serious ranging from depression, delirium, hallucinations, joint pain, muscle aches and pain, and heart failure.
    Referred to as the "Real Silent Killer" by some. Macromineral Deficiencies and Acid-Base Disorders

    There are two factors which contribute to a pH imbalance. The first is the person’s diet and the second is the person’s emotional well being. Stress and anxiety are the principal acid generators aside from the diet.
    Sleep deprivation also increases acidity levels in the body.

    To help your body maintain a good or balanced PH, you need to take buffer supplements calcium & magnesium (citrate or chelate) and potassium.
    ex: Trophic.net (CalMag 1:1 and Potassium Chelazome) Other pH balance products: Buffer pH and Tracelabs Alcabase
    Taking calcium alone can deplete your magnesium levels.

    Symptoms of Acid-Base Disorders (acidosis and alkalosis)
    insomnia, sore muscles, creaking joints, bursitis, drowsiness, hypertension, night cramps, asthma, chronic indigestion, night coughs, vomiting, menstrual problems, water retention, recessed eyes, arthritis, migraine headaches, low blood pressure, acidic perspiration, constipation, dry hard stools, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing, halitosis, burning mouth sensation, bumps on the tongue or roof of the mouth, over excitation of the nervous system, hyperventilation, protruding eyes, rapid blood clotting, prostatis.

    Osteoporosis
    macromineral deficiencies and acid-base disorder can result in osteoporosis or bone loss. Your body can use the calcium from your bones to buffer acid-base disorders.
    caffeine, sugar, and carbonated drinks containing phosphates contribute to bone loss.
    supplement example: natural Factors Healthy Bone Factors

    Hair Loss and Brittle Nails
    Macrominerals deficiencies can also result in hair loss and brittle nails.
    supplement example: natural Factors Healthy Bone Factors and Kelp also supplies needed minerals for proper hair growth.

    Stress Management and Reducing Stress
    Stress management involves understanding the psychology behind or that is causing the stress and finding strategies to deal with, reduce, or eliminate the stress.
    Stress can result from viewing yourself or your situations negatively or with insecurity. Stress reduction results from managing or viewing situations in a positive way, taking action, organizing, planning, and finding solutions. By doing this you will also feel a sense of control over the situation and your life.

    When your mind starts negative or insecure thinking, go to positive thinking such as planning or your plan to deal with the issue, finding and brainstorming possible solutions, and focus on any possible positive results. This may become reflexive after a period of time.

    Laughter and Humor are very powerful. It has great health benefits such as reducing the stress hormones and strengthen the immune system. It also releases endorphins, the feel good and happy hormone, in the brain. Your point of view of a situation can change the way it affects you. For example if you are in a threatening situation but view it in a humorous way or as a challenge instead of a threat it can greatly reduce the stress it causes. The emotions of other people and their attitude of being negative or positive can affect you. For example a person that is pessimistic or always views things and interprets things negatively or a person that is always joyful and laughing can rob off on you and can change you. Remember the expression "Laughter is contagious&". (Negative to Positive)

    Stay away from Anger and emotions that promote the stress hormone.

    Crying because of grief is an emotional release and helps us deal with loss or the emotions we have and relaxes the person and the body.

    Stress Management strategies

    Cognitive Therapy, Laughter and Humor, Conflict Resolution, Meditation, Positive Affirmations, Guided Imagery, Visualizations, Hypnosis, Autogenic, Social Interaction and Support, Organizational and Time management, and Anger Management.

    Exercise, Deep Breathing, Yoga, Progressive Muscle Relaxation and Relaxation Techniques, Sex, Biofeedback, Aromatherapy, Relaxing Music, and Massage Therapy

    Nutrition and Natural Supplements

    Ways of reducing stress, it's effects, and help maintain good mental health.

    • Always stay calm and speak to others in a positive and respectful manner.
    • Learn about time management, get organized, create a to-do list, and tackle your tasks or issues one at a time.
    • Fill your mind with thoughts of peace, courage, health, and hope. Keep a positive attitude.
    • Physical exercise is the best way to relieve stress. Aerobic exercise and physical activity help reduce the effects of stress on the body.
    • See a comedy show or movie.
    • Take vitamins such as a daily multivitamin. Periods of stress can cause the body to deplete nutrients more quickly.
    • Take supplements of calcium&magnesium and potassium. Periods of stress can cause the body to deplete nutrients more quickly.
    • Vitamin C has been shown in research to reduce the effects of stress.
    • Foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids are essential to brain function.
    • Frequent breaks with stretching and massages help reduce tension.
    • Stop or limit caffeine and alcohol consumption.
    • Eat regularly scheduled, healthy, and well balanced meals.
    • Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.
    • Rest as much as you can. Try to get at least eight hours of sleep and go to bed at scheduled hours.
    • Laughter is a good way of reducing stress.
    • Live in "day-tight compartments."
    • Clear your desk and keep it organized.
    • Speak to your friends and family.
    • Speak to a qualified professional.
    • Consult a human resource representative.
    Physical exercise helps with stress, anxiety, and depression:
    Physical exercise releases chemicals that can help counter the effects of stress and depression. Short (20 minutes) time efficient and high intensity interval training on a tread mill can help and can also be repeated daily. To be able to repeat this training daily the key is not to over exert yourself in one training session. Keep it short and intense so that you are able to recover quickly. This counters the effects of the stress hormone, releasing chemicals, burning the adrenaline and cortisol, pushing blood to the brain, and returning the body to a relaxed state. You should always warm-up the body and heart before intense exercise.

    Laughter is great medicine:
    Laughter releases chemicals, endorphins, in your brain that can help with stress and depression and many people advocate laughter therapy. It also lowers the stress hormones and strengthens the immune system. The simple act of smiling releases good chemicals.

    Get a therapeutic massage:
    A therapeutic massage stimulates the skin and releases chemicals in your brain, linked to affection, that can help with stress and depression. (massage therapy and touch therapy)

    Take Omega 3:
    Omega 3's have beneficial effects on the brain and many research articles also claim that it can prevent or help with depression. They are good for the brain, the heart, prevent cancer, and help you lose weight.

    Nutrition:
    Food and supplements that are rich in anti-oxidants can help reduce oxidative stress and the effects of stress on the brain and body.

    Take a hot bath with scented oils.
    Taking a hot bath and adding scented oils (Aromatherapy) before bed time also relaxes you and your body and should help you sleep better.


    "Happy and hopeful thoughts had an overall calming effect on the brain, while negative thoughts inflamed brain areas often involved with depression and anxiety.";

    "You can train your thoughts to be positive and hopeful or you can just allow them to be negative and upset you. That's right, it's up to you! You can learn how to change your thoughts and optimize your brain."

    "Caffeine constricts blood vessels and has been shown to decrease brain activity.... Stay away from substances known to be toxic or those that decrease brain activity."

    ''In a similar way, sleep deprivation also decreases brain activity and limits access to learning, memory, and concentration. A recent brain imaging study showed that people who consistently slept less than 7 hours had overall less brain activity. Sleep problems are very common in people who struggle with their thoughts and emotions. Getting enough sleep everyday is essential to brain function."

    "Caffeine constricts blood vessels and has been shown to decrease brain activity.... Stay away from substances known to be toxic or those that decrease brain activity."



    List of effects of stress:

    1. Frequent headaches, jaw clenching or
    pain
    2. Gritting, grinding teeth
    3. Stuttering or stammering
    4. Tremors, trembling of lips, hands
    5. Neck ache, back pain, muscle spasms
    6. Light headedness, faintness, dizziness
    7. Ringing, buzzing or "popping sounds
    8. Frequent blushing, sweating
    9. Cold or sweaty hands, feet
    10. Dry mouth, problems swallowing
    11. Frequent colds, infections, herpes sores
    12. Rashes, itching, hives, "goose bumps"
    13. Unexplained or frequent "allergy"
    attacks
    14. Heartburn, stomach pain, nausea
    15. Excess belching, flatulence
    16. Constipation, diarrhea
    17. Difficulty breathing, sighing
    18. Sudden attacks of panic
    19. Chest pain, palpitations
    20. Frequent urination
    21. Poor sexual desire or performance
    22. Excess anxiety, worry, guilt,
    nervousness
    23. Increased anger, frustration, hostility
    24. Depression, frequent or wild mood
    swings
    25. Increased or decreased appetite
    26. Insomnia, nightmares, disturbing
    dreams
    27. Difficulty concentrating, racing thoughts
    28. Trouble learning new information
    29. Forgetfulness, disorganization,
    confusion
    30. Difficulty in making decisions.
    31. Feeling overloaded or overwhelmed.
    32. Frequent crying spells or suicidal
    thoughts
    33. Feelings of loneliness or worthlessness
    34. Little interest in appearance,
    punctuality
    35. Nervous habits, fidgeting, feet tapping
    36. Increased frustration, irritability,
    edginess
    37. Overreaction to petty annoyances
    38. Increased number of minor accidents
    39. Obsessive or compulsive behavior
    40. Reduced work efficiency or productivity
    41. Lies or excuses to cover up poor work
    42. Rapid or mumbled speech
    43. Excessive defensiveness or
    suspiciousness
    44. Problems in communication, sharing
    45. Social withdrawal and isolation
    46. Constant tiredness, weakness, fatigue
    47. Frequent use of over-the-counter drugs
    48. Weight gain or loss without diet
    49. Increased smoking, alcohol or drug use
    50. Excessive gambling or impulse buying
    Last edited by Bill Ryan; 8th August 2012 at 14:27. Reason: added source link

  2. The Following 11 Users Say Thank You to bogeyman For This Post:

    Bill Ryan (8th August 2012), CdnSirian (8th August 2012), christian (8th August 2012), danceblackcatdance (8th August 2012), Dennis Leahy (4th December 2021), Flash (8th August 2012), Karunai (8th August 2012), Knowrainknowrainbows! (8th August 2012), meeradas (8th August 2012), Muzz (8th August 2012), Sierra (8th August 2012)

  3. Link to Post #2
    United States Avalon Member Knowrainknowrainbows!'s Avatar
    Join Date
    2nd January 2011
    Location
    in the moment ... for now
    Age
    67
    Posts
    267
    Thanks
    5,312
    Thanked 1,527 times in 252 posts

    Default Re: Stress Effects and Stress Management

    Wow. That is a lot of information ... bogeyman. Thanks.
    Key for me is recognizing the importance of adequate/restful sleep, healthy nutrition, exercise/relaxation/meditation/deep breathing and knowing I can change/improve my attitude and responses to negative situations which, in turn, MAY positively impact (or at least mitigate) my stress level and the situation.

    A concept that keeps me "centered" is realizing that my initial response/perception is linked to emotion/ memories ... a "lower" brain function (amygdala as part of the limbic system if I recall-ha!). Anyway, my frontal brain -logic/discernment- can and has helped me "overide" urges to react in negative ways. I can compensate or re-educate myself ... reframe the memories, expand my understanding. Being in the now requires practice ... The more I practice, the less stressed I am. Thanks for the reminder!

    KRKR

  4. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Knowrainknowrainbows! For This Post:

    bogeyman (8th August 2012), christian (8th August 2012)

  5. Link to Post #3
    Scotland Avalon Member
    Join Date
    27th January 2011
    Posts
    140
    Thanks
    60
    Thanked 459 times in 113 posts

    Default Re: Stress Effects and Stress Management

    spot on, was in possesion that body, all been reversed by removing chemicals,toxins,calcium/plaque, then and still am heavy metals,then yeast,fungus,mould,parasites,pathogens and viruses, the latter were found by accident,was removing metals the rest were then discoverd, and if someone could take the words from my mouth i can explain in detail why ! it all happens

  6. Link to Post #4
    Canada Avalon Member kfm27917's Avatar
    Join Date
    7th June 2019
    Location
    Garymede
    Language
    German
    Posts
    712
    Thanks
    14,556
    Thanked 5,414 times in 685 posts

    Default Re: Stress Effects and Stress Management

    going through my file i found this article about the Impact of Life Crises, and How to Minimise Them:

    Life crises such as death of a spouse, divorce or bankruptcy can disrupt even the best stress management regime.
    Different life crises have different impacts. In many cases, however, it may be possible to anticipate crises and prepare for them. It may also be useful to recognise the impact of crises that have occurred so that you can take account of them appropriately.

    Some very interesting work in this area has been done by Drs T H Holmes and R H Rahe, with the Social Readjustment Scale. This allocates a number of 'Life Crisis Units' (LCUs) to different events, so that you can evaluate them and take action accordingly. While this approach is obviously a simplification of complex situations, using LCUs can give you a useful start in adjusting to life crises.

    The idea behind this approach is to run down the LCU table, totalling the LCUs for life crises that have occurred in the previous 2 years. As a rule of thumb, you may anticipate some form of serious mental or physical effects of the crises according to the following table:

    Life Crisis Units and the Probability of Illness

    LCUs Probability of illness


    300 80%+
    200-299 50%
    150-199 33%

    The LCU table is shown below:

    Life Crisis Scoring Table

    Event LCUs
    Death of spouse 100
    Divorce 73
    Separation 65
    Jail term 63
    Death of close family member 63
    Personal illness or injury 53
    Marriage 50
    Fired at work 47
    Marital reconciliation 45
    Retirement 45
    Change in health of family member 44
    Pregnancy 40
    Sex difficulties 39
    Gain of new family member 39
    Business readjustment 38
    Change in financial state 38
    Death of close friend 37
    Change to a different line of work 36
    Change in number of arguments with spouse 35
    A large mortgage or loan 30
    Foreclosure of mortgage or loan 30
    Change in responsibilities at work 29
    Son or daughter leaving home 29
    Trouble with in-laws 29
    Outstanding personal achievement 28
    Spouse begins or stops work 26
    Begin or end of school or college 26
    Change in living conditions 25
    Change in personal habits 24
    Trouble with boss 23
    Change in work hours or conditions 20
    Change in residence 20
    Change in school or college 20
    Change in recreation 19
    Change in church activities 19
    Change in social activities 18
    A moderate loan or mortgage 17
    Change in sleeping habits 16
    Change in number of family get-togethers 15
    Change in eating habits 15
    Holiday 13
    Christmas 12
    Minor violations of law 11

    Where you are in danger of suffering the ill effects of life crises, try to minimise the disturbance to your life. If, for example, you have lost someone close to you, try to avoid changing your job.

    If you have a high score, or know that you will have a high score in the future, it may be worth pre-empting any problems by adopting stress management strategies now. Look after yourself.

    (PS: It appears I am off the scale !)

  7. The Following User Says Thank You to kfm27917 For This Post:

    Dennis Leahy (4th December 2021)

+ Reply to Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts