Ever wondered why you seem to get sick when you are stressed out? The brain and the immune system are in constant communication and it’s a delicate balance that can be disrupted by any kind of physical or emotional stress.
Our autonomic nervous system (sympathetic & parasympathetic) regulates the functions of our internal organs, such as the heart, stomach, and intestines. When we are under stress, changes in our bodies take place and we produce hormones that can stimulate some areas and suppress the effectiveness of others — one of these is the immune system. Bodily functions that are not essential for survival are severely decreased or shut down.
Imagine that you walking in the woods and come face to face with a bear. Your body leaps into a hyper-aroused state, the sympathetic nervous system activates, and you experience an acute stress response – sometimes called the flight, fight or freeze response.
Adrenaline is released, the heart races, muscles contract, blood pressure rises, and breath quickens. While the body is using all of its resources to deal with the situation, the immune function is not required so it is severely limited, as with the digestive system.
In a high-stress situation, such the bear in the woods, this makes sense. It is not necessary when we are experiencing day-to-day stress caused by being overwhelmed at work, parenting, relationships, and living in NYC!
The parasympathetic nervous system counterbalances the sympathetic nervous system. It restores the body to a state of calm. The heart rate decreases, muscles relax, and digestion can start, often called the rest-and-digest phase. This is a normal function: we experience stress and then we calm down, our bodies restore themselves. Trouble arises when stress is prolonged or unrelenting, without relief or restoration, in other words, chronic stress. The parasympathetic nervous system becomes inactive. This can be detrimental to mental and physical health. Fatigue, mental fog, hormone imbalance, inflammation and pain, decreased range of motion, illness, and weight gain are just a few of the issues.
It is important to know and be aware of what our stress triggers are, to be aware when we are experiencing stress, and how we can fully spare ourselves from it. There are many great ways to relieve stress and activate our parasympathetic nervous system such as Mindfulness, Meditation, Relaxation, Yoga, Massage, Exercise and reaching out to friends. More on that next month!
Contributor:
Brogan Ganley is an Integrative Therapist who uses a blend of modalities such as Mindfulness, Meditation, Yoga Therapy, Breath Practice, Aromatherapy, Art and Reiki in her treatments. She works with individuals and groups, both adults and children, specializing in relief from stress and anxiety. Brogan has developed the Art of Meditation Program, which enables both Adults and Children to embrace their creativity and learn tools to release stress, cultivate mindfulness, and self-empowerment. Brogan works in hospitals and schools, as well as private practice.