April is National Stress Awareness Month, an important time to recognize the impact that stress has on our lives, both physically and mentally. Stress is a natural response to challenging situations and can be helpful in small doses, but when it becomes chronic, it can have serious consequences on our neurological well-being.
Foothills Neurology discusses the neurological impact of stress and management techniques foralleviating its negative effects on our bodies and minds.
Why Do We Have Stress?
The National Institute of Mental Health defines stress as, “the physical or mental response to an external cause, such as having a lot of homework or having an illness. A stressor may be a one-time or short-term occurrence, or it can happen repeatedly over a long time.”
Stress is a natural response to challenging situations, and it can be helpful in small doses. For example, stress can help us stay alert and focused during a presentation or a job interview. However, when stress becomes chronic, it can have serious consequences on our neurological well-being.
Chronic stress can lead to a range of neurological symptoms, including headaches, fatigue, irritability, and difficulty sleeping. It can also increase the risk of developing anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders.
Stress and Its Neurological Impact
The neurological impact of stress is due to the body’s natural response to stress, which involves the release of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones trigger the “fight or flight” response, which prepares the body to respond to a threat. When the threat is gone, the body returns to a state of relaxation. However, when stress is chronic, the body remains in a constant state of “fight or flight,” which can lead to a range of neurological symptoms.
Techniques for Managing Stress
Fortunately, there are techniques for managing stress that can help alleviate the negative effects of stress on our bodies and minds.
Meditation
One of the most effective techniques for managing stress is mindfulness meditation. Mindfulness meditation involves focusing on the present moment and accepting one’s thoughts and feelings without judgment. Research has shown that mindfulness meditation can reduce the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and chronic pain.
Exercise
Another technique for managing stress is exercise. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural painkillers that can help alleviate the symptoms of stress. Exercise also reduces the levels of stress hormones in the body, which can help reduce the risk of developing chronic stress-related disorders.
Breathing and Relaxation
In addition to mindfulness meditation and exercise, several other techniques for managing stress exist, including deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation. Deep breathing involves taking slow, deep breaths from the diaphragm, which can help lower the heart rate and reduce the symptoms of stress. Progressive muscle relaxation involves tensing and relaxing the muscles in the body, which can help reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation.
CBT
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to stress. CBT has been shown to be effective in reducing the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other stress-related disorders.
Get Help with Stress and Mood Disorders
National Stress Awareness Month is an important time to recognize the impact that stress has on our lives, both physically and mentally. Chronic stress can have serious consequences on our neurological well-being, but there are techniques for managing stress that can help alleviate its negative effects on our bodies and minds.
If you suffer from chronic stress or other mood disorders, contact Foothills Neurology to schedule a consultation.