by Hyacinth E. Gooden-Bailey

Based on current findings and facts in Neuroscience I am asking some questions on the Brain, and  answering them for you as well. What about our ‘ brain on stress’. Not being a  Neuroscientist, I will stay clear of medical terminology as much as possible but if you are curious, you may investigate details.

How can stress be avoided?

You cannot avoid stress. Stress is the general state of arousal preparing you to cope with a challenge.

So, what is the problem with stress then?

The problem with stress is that if prolonged all the hormones and other releases in the blood intended to energize you temporarily, ultimately begin to affect your blood pressure, onset of diabetes, immune system, mood (cause depression) and  have other serious results.

How do I know when I am being stressed?

Standing in a line that is not moving discharges the same substances as being in a job where you are subject to heavy demands and little control, but the first case is not chronic and the second case could be – leading to heart disease. It follows then that if you are able to work at your own pace and have balance in your life, that would be the ideal situation.

How is stress demonstrated?

Irritability, hostility, struggle against time and other challenges which impinge on the nervous system.

How can stress affect so many critical factors of our body and ultimately our lives?

Stress is able to have devastating results, through a natural process intended to help us humans but with our fast-paced and complicated lives today the process is reversed.

A mechanism of 3 communications systems in the brain regulates the different functions of our bodies.  The brain works to both regulate activity and generate activity but when we are in a state of stress, all the systems are activated at the same time:

System 1 – voluntary nervous system, controls our muscles so that we can respond and flee.

System 2 – the autonomic nervous system along with the sympathetic(emergency) and parasympathetic (calming) keeps us from throwing up or defecating on ourselves.

System 3 – the neuroendocrine system releases “stress hormones” which further cause other hormones to be released.  You have heard these names before…..adrenaline and cortisol.  Over-exposure to these stressors released into the bloodstream and off we go:

-constantly impairing memory

-building fat

-blood pressure

-compromised immune function

-Inflammation and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).

How do you relieve stress?

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We should find ways to minimize unhealthy stress. I offer among other services, Release Group Coaching, individual coaching packages and tele-classes. Participants learn to release fears, harness powerful energy to make Quantum Leaps and find their full potential.

“The Professional Woman’s “Must Know” Guide to Career Change” is my most recent eBook available at Lulu.com. #6023866

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Life-TransitionCoach

The writer of this article may be reached : heb@sapiencecoaching.com

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©2008   Hyacinth E. Gooden-Bailey, M.A., Life Transition Coach/Career Change Strategist