What is Stress?

Stress, as it is perceived in today’s society, is a term that has taken on a negative connotation, and indeed is a term that is used to cover a multitude of symptomatology. Yet, when we delve deeper into the bio-psychosocial concept of stress we come to understand that stress comprises three main elements.

The first of these is a stressor. A stressor is an external demand that places a perceived challenge on an individual; meaning, any situation that requires adjustment has the potential to be stressful.

A stressor is anything that causes the release of stress hormones. Such elements as an individual’s cultural background, social support levels, socioeconomical status, genetics, and the ability to process situations chronologically are factors that either increase or decrease resilience to stressors and thus the stress response. With this in mind, we will look firstly at the physiology of the stress response, then the psychology.

Physiological stressors are stressors that put strain on our body. Symptoms include very cold/hot temperatures, injury, chronic illness or pain.

The Two Forms of Stress

The physiological mechanisms are intended to promote adaptability and functionality in times of survival; an inherent mind-body signal telling us “this is important” “this needs action”.

The second system involved in the stress response is called the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) system (you will note that this is something referred to often when discussing the positive impact of yoga or meditation). In addition to stimulating the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), the hypothalamus releases a hormone called corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH). Cortisol is a good hormone to have around in an emergency. It prepares the body for fight or flight. It also inhibits the innate immune response.

Psychological Stressors

The physiological mechanisms are intended to promote adaptability and functionality in times of survival; an inherent mind-body signal telling us “this is important” “this needs action”.

The second system involved in the stress response is called the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) system (you will note that this is something referred to often when discussing the positive impact of yoga or meditation). In addition to stimulating the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), the hypothalamus releases a hormone called corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH). Cortisol is a good hormone to have around in an emergency. It prepares the body for fight or flight. It also inhibits the innate immune response.

Meditation has long been thought to be spiritually beneficial. But recent scientific studies have proven the physical and physiological benefits of constant meditation. In fact, the range of positive effects of meditation is far reaching and we only now fully understand its benefits as meditation goes mainstream.

Constant meditation, as proven by numerous scientific studies, has helped rewired the brain. It allowed the brain and the body to receive a greater number of stressors but continually maintain a calm and peaceful state. It helped improve focus and memory retention.

Meditation to Fight Stress

Meditation has long been thought to be spiritually beneficial. But recent scientific studies have proven the physical and physiological benefits of constant meditation. In fact, the range of positive effects of meditation is far reaching and we only now fully understand its benefits as meditation goes mainstream.

Constant meditation, as proven by numerous scientific studies, has helped rewired the brain. It allowed the brain and the body to receive a greater number of stressors but continually maintain a calm and peaceful state. It helped improve focus and memory retention.

Discover how meditation can help you overcome stress and anxiety, be more relaxed, focused and enjoy your life to the fullest.

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