Fast paced life is “part and parcel” of our existence these days it seems. We constantly seek to fit it all in at work and home. Speed, deliverables, client focus, customer care, ROI, interaction, engagement, quality time with family, friends, hobbies, passions – so much, how do we keep it all in check?
Meeting a deadline, the entertainment of a high-value client, juggling between work and home commitments – is this the “norm” for you, or is it the “exception”? Prolonged stress over a period of time can have serious consequences and can negatively impact life.
The American Institute of Stress (AIS) has documented physical and emotional disorders linked to stress in an article posted on their website: Stress Effects This article lists 50 common signs and symptoms of stress. They go on to reveal the often overlooked various ways stress impacts on the systems, organs and tissues of our bodies.
My past life of 24/7 stress took its toll on my body. My adrenal glands were impacted. I had seriously high levels of cortisol and I felt the impact. The “fight or flight” in my sympathetic nervous system spiked for an extended period of time as I was completely unaware of my actions or the impact to my heart, hormones and digestive process. Living in “constant crisis” did not allow my body to return to normal.
You may have experienced contraction of muscles in the Muscular System – think tension headaches migraines! When the Respiratory System is under stress, our breathing changes (fast) and can lead to panic attacks. Inflammation is caused by periods of acute stress impacts the Cardiovascular System – the heart muscle can withstand only so much. The Endocrine System (back to adrenals ++) impacts the liver. The liver produces glucose (energy). Today liver disease goes well beyond what we intake. Our Gastrointestinal System and stress focus on the esophagus, the stomach and our processing of food. Upset here can lead to changes in eating, tummy aches and difficulty absorbing nutrients from what we eat. Even the Reproductive System experiences impact caused by hormonal fluctuation.
Stress relief is possible! Many blogs, books, professionals (medical professionals, nutritionists, physical fitness, and holistic care providers), meditation, yoga, mindfulness/wellness programs, community services and friends/family exist to help us uncover where we are now and map out strategies to help us tweak our lifestyle in healthy ways.
If you’d like some help taking a look at your readiness for anything at home and work contact us. We proactively help you assess your situation in business and home and explore ways for you to protect what is important to you by asking questions. What is your risk? Your plan? Are you ready to be ready? Think of it as stress reduction through planning 🙂
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