Stress and Stress Relief

Research shows that many Americans have more than 150 uncompleted tasks at any time. This causes most of us to be in a constant default mode of chronic stress.

Stress keeps our sympathetic nervous system active. When we are in this “fight or flight” response, our adrenal glands secrete cortisol, adrenaline, and norepinephrine- stress response hormones. Almost every cell in your body has receptors for these hormones. This is why stress can cause such a wide range of symptoms.

Stress relief:

  • Exercise/ Yoga (see youtube link below)

  • Meditation/ Mindfulness

  • Deep Breathing/ Progressive Muscle Relaxation

  • Taking time to enjoy your hobbies

  • Spending quality time with family and friends

  • Spending time in nature

  • Listening to music

  • Learning something new- new information or a new skill

  • Prayer/ Journaling

Yoga with Adriene on youtube

(find deep breathing and meditation videos in the mindfulness and meditation section of this website)

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The Science of Stress: Sympathetics and Parasympathetics