Stress Management
 We
are searching for a comfort zone between our inner selves
and the fast pace of today’s demands and technologies.
Our voyage on this planet begins as a physical vessel
that we fill with sights, sounds, tastes, smells and
touch. These experiences are the self talk that we fill
our vessel with, and we base the remainder of our lives
on our interpretations of the blending of this mixture.
Throughout our lifetimes we interact with thousands
of people, places and things. Many times, we focus outside
ourselves to discover the solutions to challenges. The
truth of the matter is that the answers lie within us.
The simple tools of understanding and forgiveness for
ourselves may make the difference for reaching our goals
of personal comfort and success.
We are our most valuable commodities, and we have the
ability to choose to find our answers within. Stress
management is able to combine practical knowledge, insight,
and humor into an owner’s manual for life. People experience
external and internal stresses which affect their physical,
emotional and spiritual well-being.
External stressors include adverse physical conditions,
and stressful psychological environments. These conditions
include pain, abusive relationships, poor working conditions,
and financial stresses. Internal stressors can also
be physical, including infections, inflammations or
psychological problems.
Stressors can be identified as short term (acute) or
long term (chronic). Acute stress is the reaction to
an immediate threat, commonly known as the fight-or-flight
response. The threat can be experienced in any situation,
even subconsciously, as a danger. Common acute stressors
include: noise, hunger, crowding, isolation, infection,
danger, flashbacks, or technological effects. Under
most circumstances the stress response becomes inactive
once the acute threat has passed. The stress hormone
levels return to normal, a condition called the relaxation
response.
Chronic stress is reflected in ongoing stressful situations,
including the following problems: relationships, work,
health, finances, and history of trauma.
Stress affects every part of our body and soul on a
daily basis. The interrelationship between health and
emotion has become a specific scientific field that
is being studied throughout the world.
Our minds and bodies perform at different levels of
efficiency throughout the day as we cope with the demands
of our modern lives. The fast pace of technology makes
it difficult to find a balance and perspective for healthy
living. We need to develop better skills and habits,
to create our own space for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Acupuncture and lifestyle counseling are excellent tools
to create a personalized plan.
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