Stress is the body’s way of responding to what it perceives as a demand or threat. The natural physiological response when a stressor is received is for the nervous system to release stress hormones that tell the rest of your body it’s time for action. It’s your body’s natural defense system, your “flight or fight” response. Many things can trigger the stress response whether real or perceived, positive or negative. Most things that set off your stress response is attributed to change, both positive and negative, mild or major. Stress can be related to your daily routine, brought about by sudden change or even brought on by a situational event. Examples include, a job interview, starting school, having a baby, buying an expensive item, getting fired, death of a loved one, illnesses and even the weather.
In lifesaving situations stress is good, those short bursts of chemicals and hormones are needed to ensure your survival. But if that stress is chronic those chemicals and hormones can negatively affect you by suppressing functions that you do not need for immediate survival. This affects your body by lowering your immune system and inhibiting your digestive, excretory and reproductive systems to work normally.
There are many signs and symptoms to indicate your stress may be at an unhealthy level cognitively, emotionally, physically and behaviorally. Some of the cognitive symptoms include memory problems, loss of concentration, poor judgment, negative thought patterns, and excessive worrying. Emotional symptoms can range from mood changes, irritability, depression, feelings of loneliness, and just feeling overwhelmed. The physical symptoms manifest as aches and pains, stomach issues, dizziness, chest pain or rapid heartbeat, sometimes a loss of sex drive and frequent colds. Behavioral changes show up as eating or sleeping more or less, isolating yourself, addictive behaviors and nervous habits. Everyone experiences stress differently and may have one or five of the cognitive symptoms. It all depends on how the individual perceives the situation.
How hypnotherapy can help:
- Increase relaxation
- Improve confidence
- Overcome negative habits
- Release patterns that no longer serve you
- Coping mechanisms
- Reaction reframing
- Create emotional balance
- Ego strengthening
- Find root cause of stress to effectively deal with it
- Anxiety reduction
- Improved well-being