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How Your Mind and Body React to Stress

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How Your Mind and Body React to Stress

How Your Mind and Body React to Stress (00:02:18)
Video Transcript

Life can be messy and hard.

And stress is a normal response to some of those messes and hardships.

Stress is what you feel when you're dealing with more than you're used to.

Stress affects your mind and your body.

And it can be helpful, especially if you're in danger.

A stressed body gives you a burst of energy that helps you run away from danger or helps you keep a friend safe.

A stressed mind can help you become more alert and focused to react in ways that can help.

So you can see how stress can be useful.

And can keep you safe.

But sometimes the dangers and threats are in your mind as thoughts or worries about work, home, family, or other pressures.

And your body doesn't always know the difference.

It responds with the same hormones that speed up your heartbeat and make you breathe faster so you can act.

This will help you avoid danger, protect someone, or meet a deadline.

But if you're stressed like that too often or it lasts too long, the effects can show up in your body.

Those little aches, acne, muscle pain, stomach issues, and even problems in the bedroom may be signals from your body that you're under stress.

And stress shows up in your mind as feeling overwhelmed, having trouble sleeping, changes in appetite, or avoiding or getting cranky with the people around you.

Being moody or tense much of the time can be a signal that you've "had it."

And the signals may be telling you to slow down and take time for yourself.

When you're stressed, and not in immediate danger, you can learn and practice skills to help your body and mind relax.

You can try things like deep breathing, regular physical exercise, meditation, prayer and yoga.

These types of activities can help your heart rate to slow down; your muscles to relax; your blood pressure to go down; and your mind to become calmer and clearer.

You may have to try a few things to find out what works for you.

And if you think you might need help, talk to a counselor.

Remember, the more you practice these techniques to relax, the easier it will be to let go of stress so you can feel better in mind and body.

Current as of: October 24, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

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Connect with Us
Contact Us In Caldwell Caldwell
  1. Baker City
  2. Boise
  3. Buhl
  4. Caldwell
  5. Eagle
  6. Fruitland
  7. Hailey/Ketchum
  8. Jerome
  9. McCall
  10. Meridian
  11. Mountain Home
  12. Nampa
  13. New Meadows
  14. Ontario
  15. Riggins
  16. Sun Valley
  17. Twin Falls
(208) 381-2222