Chronic Stress, Disease & Balance

"The HPA axis and Sympathetic Nervous System are triggered as a response to a physical or psychologic demand (stressor), leading to a cascade of physiologic, behavioral, and psychological effects, primarily as a result of the release of cortisol and catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine). This response leads to the mobilization of energy needed to combat the stressor through the classic 'fight or flight' syndrome.

Over time, the constant state of hypervigilence resulting from repeated firing of the HPA axis and Sympathetic Nervous System can lead to dysregulation of the system and ultimately diseases such as obesity, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, depression, substance abuse, and cardiovascular disease."*

Chronic stress is not good for our health - regardless if our fight-flight response is triggered by chronic exposure to violence or ruminative thoughts that stress us out.

Our parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest) works in complementary harmony with our sympathetic nervous system (fight-flight), modulating our heart rate and vital functions.  An over-active  or frequently activated fight-flight response taxes our system. Chronic or accumulated stress can lead to early disease and death.  Balance and calm leaves us healthier.

How do you balance and calm?