S.T.R.E.S.S.

In our busy lifestyle, we get too much engaged with the work-pressure, study-pressure, peer-competitions.

A busy and hectic life often burdens us with hidden MEDICAL CONDITIONS unknowingly.

Our tendency to deal with the STRESS starts deteriorating slowly without even we realizing it.

Our body IMMUNITY starts diminishing.

We get so engrossed in the surrounding competition that even if we are a Physically Active or a Physically Lame person, we don’t realize our nearby enemy is biting us inside-out.

STRESS.

YES, stress is the cause of our lifestyle deterioration without letting us realizing it.

So lets try to understand S.T.R.E.S.S.

CORTISOL – a Hormone in our body, secreted by adrenal glands, that is closely linked with STRESS.

Cortisol is responsible for:
Right Blood Pressure
Blood Sugar Maintenance in terms of Insulin released in our body
Immunity
Inflammatory responses of our body


Cortisol has its own POSITIVE and NEGATIVE effects on our body.

Some POSITIVE effects of Cortisol hormones when increases in small number are:

You have a controlled Blood Sugar Level   
You feel energetic.
Your memory function increases
You become less sensitive to pain
Your body immunity increases.

Cortisol levels keep varying throughout the day. As it in its higher level in the morning and evening and night in lower levels.

Also, Cortisol levels keep varying depending on a person’s circumstances and what he is experiencing.

Some people experience higher level of Cortisol in stress as compared to others. So its not the same in all.

Higher Cortisol levels has some negative effects on the body:

1. High BP
2. Decreased Bone Density
3. Decrease in Muscle Tissue
4. Blood Sugar imbalances – Hyperglycemia
5. Irregular / Suppressed THYROID function
6. Impaired Cognitive Performance (diminishing skills and abilities due to medical problems)
7. Low immunity
8. Increased abdominal fat which may lead to -
    - high LDL (bad cholesterol) & low HDL (good cholesterol) leading to other medial / health problems

    - Hearth Attacks
    - Strokes

Now there are several ways to control high level of Cortisol in our body:

1. REGULAR WORKOUT : Regular Physical Activity like :
Running, Jogging, Cycling, Strength Training, Swimming, Walking will keep yourself away from releasing Cortisols.
Kickboxing is a great way to beat the stress by punching and kicking on a punching bag. It helps you release happiness hormones and fills you with positivity that helps to reduce stress.

2. YOGA : has a great healing power for mind and body both.

3. BREATHING PRACTICE: during the day, your studies, at work, anywhere.

4. MUSIC : of your choice that makes you feel happy and relaxed.

5. KICKBOXING : is a great way to release your stress.

6. KEEP ACTIVE : if you cant find time for daily workout, you still can keep yourself active as riding cycle to work, taking stairs in place of elevators, walking to the store, parking your car a distance away from your destination etc. This all will help you to reduce stress and Cortisol levels at the same time.

7. SOCIAL CONNECTIVITY : Living in isolation also leads to the generation of cortisol levels in your body. Connecting socially with people will keep your mind engaged and stress-free

Different people react differently to STRESS. Therefore Cortisol secretion also varies in different people under same stress level.

People who secretes more cortisol under stress, tend to eat more, specially carbohydrates.

The remedy is: Read and Judge your Stress Levels. If you are more sensitive to Stress, you must opt for some ‘Stress Management Techniques’ and lead a Low-Stress-Life.
Since Cortisol levels are Inversely proportionate to a healthy lifestyle, controlling Cortisol Levels would automatically will lead you to Healthy Lifestyle.

So along with the Peer-Competition, lets also learn to fight our real ENEMY – STRESS J

All the best J