BPT - The Stress Response

What is the Stress Response ?

It is a state of arousal consisting of a number of body changes that
give the feeling of being stressed and the energy for tackling the
stressful situation.
The body's aim is to come back to a state of balance after being
stressed. This return to stability is important for maintaining health
and well-being.
In its extreme form the stress response is known as the fight or flight
response. It occurs so often in its mild form that it usually passes
unnoticed.

What is going on in our bodies when we prepare for Fight or Flight ?

The brain becomes aware of danger as a result of messages received from the eyes,
ears etc. Hormones are released and the involuntary nervous system sends signals
to various parts of the body to produce the changes shown on the diagram.

Mind becomes alert.
Instinctive responses dominate.
Intellect and memory reduces.
(not good for exams and critical
memory needs)
Less saliva - dry mouth.
Blood clotting ability increases
preparing for possible injury.
Blood thickens.
Heart beat speeds up.
Blood pressure rises.
Sweating increases to
help cool the body.
Blood is diverted to the
muscles - "pale with fright".
A stressed chap Muscles tense - ready
for action.
Breathing rate speeds up.
Nostrils and air passages
in lungs open wider to get
in air more quickly.
Digestion slows down.
Liver releases sugar to
provide quick energy.
Sphincter muscles contract
to close openings of bowel
and bladder.
Immune responses decrease -
useful in short-term to allow
massive response to immediate
threat - harmful over long
period.

What is Relaxation ?
Relaxation is a way of producing a quiet body and a calm mind. This
physical and mental unwinding is termed the relaxation response and it
counteracts the stress response.
People who normally live with a high degree of tension are more
likely to experience problems when any extra stress occurs.
These people can lower their general level of tension by regular
relaxation practice and so cushion themselves against over stress.
By doing this, more hassles can be tolerated without causing
problems.

What is Relaxation ?
Relaxation is a way of producing a quiet body and a calm mind. This physical and mental unwinding is termed the relaxation response and it counteracts the stress response. People who normally live with a high degree of tension are more likely to experience problems when any extra stress occurs. These people can lower their general level of tension by regular relaxation practice and so cushion themselves against over stress. By doing this, more hassles can be tolerated without causing problems.

What bodily changes occur during the relaxation Response ?

Hormone production decreases.
Sweating decreases markedly.
Mind becomes more tranquil.
Intellect and memory increases.
Breathing rate decreases as
less oxygen is needed.
Heart rate decreases & blood
pressure drops.
The immune system increases.
Muscles relax.
A happy fellow

How Can I Become Relaxed ?

The wise one ! You can physically relax by letting go of tension in your
muscles.

and / or
You can mentally relax by re-focusing your thoughts onto something
you are grateful for. Something that makes you feel good. Meditation
and contemplation exercises nearly always provide a feel good response
and I have verified they add to over-all body relaxation.

and / or
You can receive a monthly wholistic massage designed
to produce the above results. Click the Contact Me
menu to find out more information.


Mind becomes alert. Instinctive responses dominate. Intellect and memory reduces. (not good for exams and critical memory needs) Less saliva - dry mouth. Blood clotting ability increases preparing for possible injury. Blood thickens. Heart beat speeds up. Blood pressure rises. Sweating increases to help cool the body. Blood is diverted to the muscles - "pale with fright".		Muscles tense - ready for action. Breathing rate speeds up. Nostrils and air passages in lungs open wider to get in air more quickly. Digestion slows down. Liver releases sugar to provide quick energy. Sphincter muscles contract to close openings of bowel and bladder. Immune responses decrease - useful in short-term to allow massive response to immediate threat - harmful over long period.