STRESS AND THE FIGHT/FLIGHT RESPONSE

by Dr. Carol Renaud Gaffney

Daily living — your job — traffic — your house — your relationships — the kids — the evening news — the latest tax increase — rock music — constant noise — chemicals in the air and our foods — worry about what tomorrow will bring…sensory overload!

These problems are constants in many lives. There was a time when a body was stressed and then had time to recover before the next big event. Our bodies were built to take stress and they are wonderfully equipped to recover. Our bodies and minds were designed to work together to keep us alive and well. When danger is perceived, we automatically react to protect ourselves. We are fueled with chemicals that cause blood pressure, heart rate, metabolism, muscle tension and breathing rate all to increase. This happens automatically. These reactions form the well know fight/flight response. When the danger is past, our bodies and minds return to a normal state of alertness.

What happens when the stress does not let up though, when you go from one stressful situation to another without the recovery time? Without recovery time the body and mind will eventually call a halt in one way or another; through illness, reduced ability to concentrate, angry outbursts, or burnout. Stress is a leading cause of disease; heart, intestinal, digestive, mental and respiratory. Stress has been implicated in what are called immune deficiency disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and chronic fatigue syndrome, as well as the more familiar diseases such as ulcers, colitis, depression, and hypertension.

What are the answers? What should you do? Quit your job? Move to the country? These are not options for most of you. Even if you did have enough money to leave, you have commitments and relationships. Instead of leaving your life, start building stress recovery periods into your daily routines. These recovery periods can help you jump start the relaxation process enabling your body and mind to work together to heal and recover from life’s constant onslaughts. You can start counteracting the effects of your body’s automatic stress responses. You can start this process with intentional mind/body relaxation.

Where should you begin? Begin with the basics. The series of instructions available in this book will guide you through several basic procedures that will help you begin the healing process. None of the techniques introduced require the use of machinery or money. Too good to be true? No! Nature has its own way of providing.

All you have to do is use those resources that are already available. Start with breath then begin building mini-relaxations and mindfulness into your day. The next step is meditation and then guided imagery. Find a quiet place — take a comfortable position — play your favorite music, relax and begin.