Description of Challenge
How to use stress in your favour and avoid diseases, in spite of the challenges of modern life.“It’s not stress that kills us, it is our reaction to it.” Hans Selye
Solution
Understanding what stress is and having a daily practice that balances your mind and body system.
Stress is a response of our fight or flight system. This mechanism is very efficient when we face an emergency such as a dangerous predator; our sympathetic nervous system is activated, making all of our body alert by releasing adrenaline into our blood. However, if we go through a prolonged period of stress, the hormone released is cortisol, which in the long run becomes a poisonous to our health. When the body is under stress, other functions such as digestive and immune systems are compromised but, in time, this can be the root of most chronic diseases. To counteract this vicious cycle it is good to activate the parasympathetic nervous system. Some of the most important factors in a balanced routine include:
Breathing – if you can only do one thing, learn deep breathing.
Relaxation – meditation, yoga, walking in nature.
Sleep – having enough sleep regularly
Exercise
