Woman Code - The Stress Group

At some point in life everyone feels stressed or overwhelmed, it’s only human to have difficult moments. It was discovered that stress compounds evolved in cave men and women, and continued all the way into our genetic makeup. It is good to note that there are positive and negative stimuli, but our internal and external reactions to it are what ultimately condition the body. When one is tense for a long period of time heart disease, stroke, insomnia, weight gain, and fatigue can develop. It’s important to find ways to release the tension held in the body and manage the stressors in our lives. 

There are specific parts of the body that are responsible for recognizing stress triggers, especially our fight-or-flight responses. The Hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis in the brain, is our internal switchboard for the body’s reaction to negative stimulus. When the body is under stress the Hypothalamus releases a hormone that stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete cortisol or adrenocorticotropic (ACT).

 Another part accountable for regulating hormones are the Adrenal Glands, which are triangle shaped suprarenal glands located at the top of both kidneys. They help keep the two stress related hormones in the body known as cortisol and adrenaline in line. For example when someone is in a life threatening situation the body would create cortisol, and stimulate the release of glucose to the muscles for energy; and adrenaline would boost the blood pressure and heart rate. 

Stress is an inevitable part of everyday life but it does not have to be so demanding of your body’s energy and mental health. Learning how to recognize symptoms and reactions can help you become more mindful when it comes to identifying certain triggers. There are so many support systems available whether that be by seeing a counselor or venting to a trusted acquaintance that are there to help. Along with taking moments in the day to decompress, which can be as simple as breathing deeply or coloring something. It is so important to know that you are not alone and that everyone can relate to your feelings because chances are they have been in the same boat before.