Stress
Stress is not a personal weakness you have: most people will
suffer from stress at some time in their lives. It is a serious
condition - with potentially serious consequences.
It is also a very individual experience: everybody is affected by it
differently. If we ask a 100 people what stresses them, each
person will give a different answer: each one will need a different
solution.
Learning to Manage Stress: Stress Management is about
determining (analyzing) your source, or sources of stress, and
then choosing, or selecting a strategy that will reduce the effects
of stress, or remove the source (see Stress Management).
In order to do so, it is helpful to first know what stress is - and
what it does (also check out the Stress Management
Workshop/Seminar).
The pressures of today's busy life are registered by the same
physical reaction as that of our ancestors who faced sabre-tooth
tigers, grass-fires, or other dangerous situations. This
physiological reaction has been an important key to man's survival
throughout history.
The physical and psychological dimensions are inseparable: they
are separated here for analytical purposes only. There are many
ways of responding, but however we do it, our bodies still react in
the same way: fight, flight or faint; alarm or arousal (more on this
below).
When it strikes we need to act and do something decisive, just as
primitive humans did in ages past.
Stress is the plague of the 20th century because we don't always
take prompt, immediate action. We have been "civilized" to
release our aggression, etc, indirectly through the use of body
language, or verbally.
These help somewhat, but are inadequate because the body's
primary preparation and need is for physical outlets.
Stress is not a personal weakness you have: most people will
suffer from stress at some time in their lives. It is a serious
condition - with potentially serious consequences.
It is also a very individual experience: everybody is affected by it
differently. If we ask a 100 people what stresses them, each
person will give a different answer: each one will need a different
solution.
Learning to Manage Stress: Stress Management is about
determining (analyzing) your source, or sources of stress, and
then choosing, or selecting a strategy that will reduce the effects
of stress, or remove the source (see Stress Management).
In order to do so, it is helpful to first know what stress is - and
what it does (also check out the Stress Management
Workshop/Seminar).
The pressures of today's busy life are registered by the same
physical reaction as that of our ancestors who faced sabre-tooth
tigers, grass-fires, or other dangerous situations. This
physiological reaction has been an important key to man's survival
throughout history.
The physical and psychological dimensions are inseparable: they
are separated here for analytical purposes only. There are many
ways of responding, but however we do it, our bodies still react in
the same way: fight, flight or faint; alarm or arousal (more on this
below).
When it strikes we need to act and do something decisive, just as
primitive humans did in ages past.
Stress is the plague of the 20th century because we don't always
take prompt, immediate action. We have been "civilized" to
release our aggression, etc, indirectly through the use of body
language, or verbally.
These help somewhat, but are inadequate because the body's
primary preparation and need is for physical outlets.
- Stress is often considered to be something that happens to
people: an event such as an injury or a promotion.
The Physiological Dimension Of Stress:
The innate alarm response initially attempts to over-ride our "civilized manners". There is often no time to think of
"civilized" reactions because the alarm response is a reflex that operates almost instantaneously. The body undergoes a
number of changes as these responses to stimuli occur. They begin the moment danger messages are received by the
brain:
Physiological Responses: there are a number that occur either simultaneously or in a sequence - you can learn more
about them in the Stress & Stress Management workshop.
The innate alarm response initially attempts to over-ride our "civilized manners". There is often no time to think of
"civilized" reactions because the alarm response is a reflex that operates almost instantaneously. The body undergoes a
number of changes as these responses to stimuli occur. They begin the moment danger messages are received by the
brain:
- Regulating centres of the total nervous system give the body information to speed up in preparation to confront
or escape the threat. - Since chemical balances affect the mind's emotional moods, the brain responds quickly and appropriately to
maintain the balance. - The brain will attempt to compensate for deficits in the rest of the system by secreting its own chemicals in
response to the `directions' it receives from the glands.
Physiological Responses: there are a number that occur either simultaneously or in a sequence - you can learn more
about them in the Stress & Stress Management workshop.
There are also psycho-emotional consequences (psychological-emotional).
"Freezing" or "getting rattled" are just different descriptions of an extreme anxiety state that is the psychological
equivalent to physiological shock.
As we grow older, the stress reaction releases cholesterol into the bloodstream and when not used up through physical
action, it is deposited on the artery walls.
The passages become narrower and the heart has to work harder to push blood along.
Chronic high-stress can turn transient (temporary) high blood pressure (hypertension) into permanent high blood
pressure.
People whose stress manifests this way are likely candidates for heart disease.
As blood pressure rises and muscle tension increases, resting heart rate and serum cholesterol may rise, all increasing
the Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) risk factor.
Quite often, these people ignore their poor health habits, making them even less efficient, which in turn, produces even
more tension to aggravate the situation.
"Freezing" or "getting rattled" are just different descriptions of an extreme anxiety state that is the psychological
equivalent to physiological shock.
As we grow older, the stress reaction releases cholesterol into the bloodstream and when not used up through physical
action, it is deposited on the artery walls.
The passages become narrower and the heart has to work harder to push blood along.
Chronic high-stress can turn transient (temporary) high blood pressure (hypertension) into permanent high blood
pressure.
People whose stress manifests this way are likely candidates for heart disease.
As blood pressure rises and muscle tension increases, resting heart rate and serum cholesterol may rise, all increasing
the Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) risk factor.
Quite often, these people ignore their poor health habits, making them even less efficient, which in turn, produces even
more tension to aggravate the situation.
See the graphic at the right for sources/causes of stress &
anxiety in day-to-day life (stressors).
One cause of Stress is "inner pain", and people:
Chronic excessive muscular tension due to attitudes and holding
on to inner pain is a system of habitual muscular contractions that
keep a person's spontaneous impulses in.
anxiety in day-to-day life (stressors).
One cause of Stress is "inner pain", and people:
- learn to avoid feeling excitement by holding their breath or
squeezing muscles. - Tightening against intense pleasure pain;
- emotions: fear, joy, anger, grief, orgasm, laughter.
Chronic excessive muscular tension due to attitudes and holding
on to inner pain is a system of habitual muscular contractions that
keep a person's spontaneous impulses in.
- A holding against feeling, emotion, expression.
- Repression, depression.
- Depressing yourself.
- It absorbs energy: hinders spontaneous body function:
sensation sensitivity creativity productivity
communication and feeling. - Producing deadness, numbing whole areas of the body;
inhibiting breathing, movement, the flow of energy. - Attitude: Holding onto hurts brings fixation:
- Fixation is stunting growth.
- Creating in a person the experience of being blocked
off, in a dream like state of half aliveness: halts the
process of actualizing the Human Potential. - Stuck: separate from him/herself and the excessive
tension, words, sensory limitation all lead to
automatic, conditioned behaviour. - A lack of joy, honesty, humour, love: being bored to
death; deliberate, phoney.
Sources/Causes of Stress / Anxiety
There are many: financial problems, family problems, health
issues, certain holidays, codependence and denial - and many
more
The major one is our attitude. See our workshop page.
How Does one manage or cope with stress? There are as
many ways to cope with stress, or to manage or reduce it,
as there are people.
Each person finds their own coping mechanisms and
strategies. Some work well - others not so well. Anxiety &
phobias usually require professional help.
Stress Disorders Signs, Symptoms, Sources and Causes
The Silent Killers
Only the Wounded Heal; Only the Separated Reconcile
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Stress is OVERLOAD.
For additional information see: the Canadian Mental Health Association website: ENGLISH, FRENCH.
Anxiety disorders are stress responses that are both excessive and inappropriate. Anxiety disorders interfere with
your ability to function normally on a daily basis.
They include such things a panic attacks and phobias, etc - more detail in the workshop.
While stress does involve events and our response to them, these are not the most important factors.
It is Our thoughts about the situations in which we find ourselves, are the critical and often are the main source of
stress (but not always). Sources of stress are called "stressors".
Stress is NOT a disorder - it is overload, that causes disorders.
- To take the Stress Test click HERE.
For additional information see: the Canadian Mental Health Association website: ENGLISH, FRENCH.
Anxiety disorders are stress responses that are both excessive and inappropriate. Anxiety disorders interfere with
your ability to function normally on a daily basis.
They include such things a panic attacks and phobias, etc - more detail in the workshop.
While stress does involve events and our response to them, these are not the most important factors.
It is Our thoughts about the situations in which we find ourselves, are the critical and often are the main source of
stress (but not always). Sources of stress are called "stressors".
Stress is NOT a disorder - it is overload, that causes disorders.
| Relaxation for Body & Mind - Stress Buster I offer a form of Deep Relaxation & Autogenic Training that effectively goes "below your mind" - so deep that it leaves you renewed, refreshed and re-empowered (see Retreats). Inquire about my relaxation tapes also. |
To truly combat stress there are things to do immediately that will help temporarily:
We have relaxation tapes (ocean waves rolling on shore - with bird sounds overlaid).
Inquire for help. See Abbey Products & Publications
- the Desiderata.
We have relaxation tapes (ocean waves rolling on shore - with bird sounds overlaid).
Inquire for help. See Abbey Products & Publications
However - although many of the most commonly recommended techniques will help deal with the effects of
stress - they do not always solve "the problem". Truly coping with it - and overcoming it - requires other steps.
Many of the steps you can do on your own - some may require help - also see "The Awakening".
See Stress Management for detailed description and suggestions/steps - workshops on this topic are also
available.
Dawn Cove Abbey is one source that provides such help - to help you learn any of the above.
Stress Management Counselling - Stress Management Workshops, Seminars & Retreats
Treating the "whole person" - see potential.
stress - they do not always solve "the problem". Truly coping with it - and overcoming it - requires other steps.
Many of the steps you can do on your own - some may require help - also see "The Awakening".
See Stress Management for detailed description and suggestions/steps - workshops on this topic are also
available.
Dawn Cove Abbey is one source that provides such help - to help you learn any of the above.
Stress Management Counselling - Stress Management Workshops, Seminars & Retreats
Treating the "whole person" - see potential.
Regardless, they will help. Beyond that, there may be other things to consider,
and outside help may be required.
If you suffer from Anxiety Disorder, you should discuss this with your doctor.
Klaas Tuinman MA
Dawn Cove Abbey
Deerfield, (Yarmouth County) Nova Scotia, Canada
and outside help may be required.
If you suffer from Anxiety Disorder, you should discuss this with your doctor.
Klaas Tuinman MA
Dawn Cove Abbey
Deerfield, (Yarmouth County) Nova Scotia, Canada
To round it all out, Dawn Cove Abbey provides personal guidance for growth, healing and
files that exist on this website - the information is free and available to all.
I sincerely hope that you take the Less Travelled Road
files that exist on this website - the information is free and available to all.
I sincerely hope that you take the Less Travelled Road
| ________________________________________________________________________________ If you are ready to make the change / transition to seriously begin your healing journey, please call, write or email without obligation (and strictly confidential) We can help: to contact us, please see Contact-Us _____________________________________________________________________ |
| IF YOU NEED HELP WITH YOUR LIFE SITUATION Let us help you find long-term resolution for your problems - and assist you in your Emotional, Mental and Spiritual Healing. Let us help you begin your Inner Child's journey "home" Email, call or write to begin your healing - Today! |
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| Dawn Cove Abbey Empowerment Outreach is a registered not-for-profit business in the province of Nova Scotia, Canada |
- Others think that stress is what happens to our bodies,
minds and behaviours in response to an event (e.g, heart
pounding, anxiety, or nail biting). - The official Health and Safety definition of stress is: ’
Stress is the adverse reaction people have to excessive
pressures or other types of demand placed upon them. It
arises when they worry they can’t cope’. - "Stress" is not just one thing, or a single event, that happens
to us. Everything we experience "stays with us", and their
after-effects stay around for at least a year.
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| Dysfunctional Family / Life Effects: Resources |
| Adult Child - Survivor Resource Section |
| Resource Section |
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| Suggested Additional Reading |
| Dawn Cove Abbey Information and Support Resources |
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| People who really want to heal, will find a way; those who don't, will find an excuse. |