Stress… Reality vs. Perception
Stress is such as broadly used term these days. We hear of stress management, stressed out, biological stress, environmental stress, post traumatic stress. Hans Selye a scientist and pioneer of stress wrote of stress theory back in the early 1930’s. Interestingly the introduction of this term coincided with the Great Depression.
What is stress to one person another will take all in their stride. As our 24/7 lives show no signs of letting up; the way we perceive stress can determine whether we move beyond it, or it consumes us.
To some, not being able to find that perfect outfit for an event is stress and to others this is their dream problem. To a large family on a low income, work, food, clothing and housing is a constant stress.
Stress is relative to ones exposure over a life time of events. Whilst it is quite the positive spin and true to say there is always someone in a worse position, one does need to acknowledge that there is a stress existing and do something about it rather than store it away in our cells. Every cell in the body will respond to stress perceived or otherwise by releasing hormones.
A live blood analysis shows that stressed blood cells will form coin like stacks known as rouleaux stacks. This is the bloods defense mechanism. How quickly this process occurs can be an indication of how stressed or inflamed the body is.
- Rouleaux Stack
Hans Selye talks of three stages of adaptation to stress.
- Alarm – the body recognizes at threat and puts us into fight or flight mode
- Resistance –the body adapts to prolonged stress through continous output of hormones and increased insulin
- Exhaustion -when the body has exhausted its ability to support the long term stress severe health problems arise from a compromised immune system including Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Hypoglycemia, Cancers and other inflammatory disorders.
It is the almond shaped structure that sits in the brain’s medial temporal lobe called the Amygdala that has an effect on our emotional response. Or to put it simply the switch that controls the Autonomic Nervous System (sympathetic – fight or flight, parasympathetic – relaxed, Enteric – gastrointestinal functions)
In my case, the stress hormone cortisol was likely the key chemical trigger in my breast cancer. As a result of at least five years of prolonged and severe stress following a severe physical and emotional traumatic event my body had become used to permanently being in fight or flight mode. The little switch to tell me that it’s ok to relax seems to have malfunctioned.
Correcting this is a work in progress. There are still times now when I still feel as though I would love a break from my brain. To take it out put it on the shelf and come back to it later. I’m sure many of you can relate!
So what does all this mean in the case of someone with a serious illness? It is absolutely critical for healing not to be in a stressed state and yet it creeps in when trying to keep enough work coming in to finance treatments, studies, grow a business, and attend treatments all on top of the normal day to day happenings.
There have been times recently where I have faced eliminating a treatment session in order to pay the rent. Believe me, that sends ones anxiety through the roof particularly when the outcome to consider is healing from cancer, or not!
This is where the perception is key! I find myself now upping the ante on the little breaks I can take in my head and change my perspective on the entire situation.
Instead of worrying about the enormity of what I have to deal with I am now grateful for going through this experience in this manner as this is probably how it would be for anyone dealing with cancer that does not fall into the highest socio-economic bracket.
I am grateful that I have chosen the alternative therapies to treat my cancer as I have still been able to go to work without feeling ill.
I am grateful that I still have both my breasts; my fertility, my hair and my sanity… ok some of my sanity!
I am grateful for the learning’s that have come from this healing journey so far.
I am grateful for each practitioner and doctor who have contributed to my healing and learning.
I am grateful for the support from friends and family
I am grateful for the opportunity to share and help others as a result of my experience.
On the days it does become overwhelming I go out of my way to nurture myself with the simple things
- A foot bath of Epsom salts and oils
- A sauna
- A walk in the park
- Spend time with loved ones
- Application of Lavendar and Frankincense Oils
- Enjoy a herbal tea or soup
- Play a meditation CD before sleeping.
- Write in my journal.
- Make a list of at least 5 good things that occurred in my day
These are inexpensive ways that can make a huge difference to the way one feels.
There are some stressors in life that cannot be changed however the way we perceive them can!
People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don’t believe in circumstances.
The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they
want, and, if they can’t find them, make them.” – George Bernard Shaw
If anyone has other little coping strategies please feel fee to share with me or for other tips on coping please email me helen@leadingedgelifestyle.com.au
