Your body and mind reacts to any demand placed upon it. That's being alive! That's also a good way of thinking about Stress. The body goes through a host of chemical and neuro-physiological responses to stress. And different people have different types and degrees of response to various stressors. So, stress is the set of nonspecific responses of the body and mind to any demand made upon it.
This stress response developed in the context of danger, primarily physical danger and so it is often referred to as the 'fight or flight' response. If threatened by a wild animal, climbing a dangerous cliff, confronting a resource rival, or crossing a snake filled swamp, the stress response would produce changes that maximize our ability to survive the challenge. In fact, the exhausting act of fight of an animal, clearing a cliff, successfully competing for food, or swimming faster across that swamp, would utilize and deplete the chemicals associated with the stress response and the body and mind would quickly return to a state of balance. The fight-flight-response is still a part of our genetic code.
However, today there is a big difference in both the kind of stressors we have to deal with and the kind of responses we can make to those stressors. For example, we are much less likely to be attacked by a wild animal today although we are still to respond by fighting or fleeing if attacked by a stray dog or human predator. But in addition to that kind of stressor, we also have to deal with a boss, co-worker, or family member who makes us feel threatened, challenged, or otherwise put on the defensive. In these instances, we can't us fighting or fleeing as an appropriate response. However, your body doesn't know that! So it produces the same chemical and neuro-physiological changes that it has for millions of years. And therein lies the problem! The unresolved biological reactions to stress are like a corrosive acid eating away at the health and wellness of your body and mind.
Since your stressors may occur in your home, or office, on the road, or at the store, and since a physical reaction (in most instances) may not be appropriate, then you have to take the time to actually do something to help the body discharge those harmful chemical reactions. Stress, especially chronic stress, effects every system of the body, the brain, endocrine system, autonomic nervous system, cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal system, muscles, skin, and immune system stamina. It can cause depression and severe mental dysfunction if not handled properly. Stress can precipitate or aggravate hypertension, stroke and other coronary heart disease, ulcers, tension and migraine headaches, allergies, asthma and hay fever, rheumatoid arthritis, backaches, TMJ Syndrome, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Stress Management Training can be a lifesaving experience. Research shows that techniques like autogenic training, progressive relaxation, meditation, qigong, yoga, and tai chi chuan have a restorative effect in helping the body and mind to regain and maintain a healthy state of balance.
