STRESS RESPONSE SYSTEM
Stress & agitation is there to move you ahead, not keep you from it.
LET ME EXPLAIN!
To understand how we evolved to handle stress, we must go back to our hunter-gatherer ancestors.
Exposure to a life threatening situation, such as being attacked by a hungry predator, activated a fight-or-flight response giving our ancestors a much-needed boost, preparing them to confront the predator or run away from it.
FIGHT-OR-FLIGHT
In response to a stressful situation amygdala—the fear centre of the brain alerts the command centre—Hypothalamus, which signals adrenal gland to pump out epinephrine.
As the initial short term surge of epinephrine subsides and the brain continues to perceive something as dangerous, HYPOTHALAMUS activates the second long term component of stress response system, HPA axis—PITUITARY gland signals ADRENAL to release cortisol.
Epinephrine & cortisol hormone brings on a number of physiological changes:
-The heart beats faster and breathing speeds up, which can burn calories.
-Increase in the body’s fuel for energy by releasing fatty acids and glucose from the liver.
-Tone down digestive and reproductive system.
All these changes helped our ancestors to fight or flee.
EVOLUTIONARY INCONSISTENCY
Humans evolved over millions of years to become highly specialised hunter-gatherers.
The shift away from hunter-gathering to agriculture only started 12000 years ago.
Even though technology has gone through leaps and bounds in the last few millennia, evolution a has failed to keep pace with these changes making us a hunter-gatherer living in 21st century world.
Our physiological response to not so life-threatening stressors, such as work, finance, family and relationships, is the same as—fending off a predator.
While the response was designed to help us survive short term threats, these modern life situations can cause longer & sustained levels of stress, which can be deadly and is linked to many health problems including Anxiety, Diabetes, Reproductive issues.
TECHNIQUES TO COUNTER STRESS RESPONSE:
1. Exercise and Meditation Stress response increases the release of glucose and fat from storage locations to the bloodstream—increasing the availability of short term energy.
If not used, short term energy inadvertently contributes to the buildup of fat tissue and to weight gain.
Resistance-training, running, cycling, yoga or even taking a walk can help you utilise this short term energy resulting in improved executive functions, enhanced mood states, and decreased stress level.
2. Anti-inflammatory diet
Systemic inflammation, causes elevated cortisol levels. If we can naturally decrease inflammation in the body and minimise stress, decreased cortisol levels should follow.
TO CONCLUDE
When stressed—take a walk, don’t skip your workouts, eat more of protein & omega 3 fatty acids—EPA, cut out omega 6—Vegetable oils & refined carbs.
Don’t just sit and gorge yourself with sugars, as it’ll increase the inflammatory response and in turn stress.
