Stress seems to be our modern day reason for everything that ails us from back ache to substance abuse. It lies within us and controls the buttons of our health and just like a good bottle of Pinot Noir, a little can be very good , but too much can kill you! It is an inevitable part of our modern life and it is up to each individual to manage it in a way that lessens it’s damaging effect.

Humans are tough creatures and can take a lot of stress on board before realising that something is wrong. Our bodies have a physiological response to our phsychological overload. In other words, the body mind connection is a very strong one and unless you are a robot, your thoughts and emotions are going to manifest themselves in your physical wellbeing.

Stress affects our brains by releasing powerful chemicals known as neurotransmitters. These chemicals are released from an area in the brain which houses the pituitary gland, the adrenal gland and the hypothalamus. The adrenals, ovaries and thyroid are controlled by the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus controls body temperature, fatigue, hunger, thirst and anger. Chronic stress has a huge affect on these glands and with time the hypothalamus begins to shrink. If this happens, then our entire hormonal system is sent on a dangerous rollercoaster ride forcing us to tackle with all kinds of uncomfortable symptoms along the way. Headaches, digestive issues, heart palpitations, nausea, insomnia and skin disorders are all signs that something is wrong. An overload of stress will affect the stomach and the pancreas the most and many people who suffer from auto immune illnesses, chronic fatigue syndrome and even cancer, have been found to have experienced huge amounts of stress in some shape or form before being diagnosed. If we look to Chinese medicine for some answers, we will find that our organs are affected differently depending on the type of stress that we are experiencing. Anger decreases the liver’s ability to cleanse and circulate blood; Fear affects the kidneys; Frustration affects the gall bladder; Grief affects the lungs and impairs our respiratory function; anxiety and worry manifests itself in digestive disorders. An increase in weight can also be blamed on increased stress as we make bad food choices and over eat when we are feeling emotional and overwhelmed. A decrease in weight and sudden loss of appetite can also be a dangerous sign that all is not well. Libido is another victim, and the loss of it can cause a multitude of problems within relationships and marriages.

My goal in life and the reason that I try and lead a very healthy lifestyle, is to be as free from disease and injury as possible. I have experienced the cause and effect of the S word in the past and believe me, even when we think we are coping with difficult situations, our bodies may not agree and we will begin to notice the negative effects it has on us sooner or later. Unfortunately, there is no pill to cure our stress or it’s symptoms. Anti-depressants are often prescribed to help patients deal with difficult times but they are no more than mind numbing agents, beneficial only for those who suffer from serious mental problems.  For those other people who are knocked down because life has become too overwhelming, finding ways to decrease their stress levels is really the key to finding a happier state of mind.

Mind-body activities such as yoga, tai chi and meditation have all been proven to have amazing results. Many find that changing their eating habits makes a big difference too. Consuming Omega 3 rich foods such as Salmon, walnuts, chia seeds and grass fed beef can help nourish the mind and decrease levels of inflammation that are caused by stress. Reducing or eliminating alcohol and caffeine can also help alleviate symptoms such as insomnia and hormonal imbalances. And, if you didn’t already know it, the other super stress exterminator has got to be EXERCISE!! Taking part in some form of exercise on a daily basis can do wonders for your stress levels. Each time we exercise we flood our systems with endorphins which give us a feeling of wellbeing and achievement. Even if we have a hard time getting motivated to do something in the first place, I know that when you are finished, you are going to feel a whole lot better than you did before. Working out in a group class situation has even more benefits to dealing with stress and depression as it provides you with the added bonus of meeting like minded people who can support and motivate you. It is important to know that if you are suffering from stress and it’s multitude of symptoms, then you are not alone. Finding a way to move forward and manage your problems can be so much easier when you can share your feelings and experiences with others.

When Ryan and I set out to create our business, the one thing that we both felt and feel passionate about is helping people like you, improve their lives through wellbeing. Our approach is a holistic one, because we truely believe that the body and mind are one and cannot be treated separately. When the mind is un-happy and distressed, it will manifest itself in a physical way. By helping you decrease your stress levels , we know that we can also help you improve your fitness levels and your weight problems. We sometimes only focus on the weight that people gain and ignore the fact that weight loss is also a serious side effect of too much stress and should not be ignored.

I will leave you with a quote and wish you all a very peaceful and stress reduced week!

“Breath is aligned to both body and mind and it alone is the tool which can bring them both together, illuminating both and bringing both peace and calm.”

-Thich Nhat Hanh

In health and harmony,

Tamara