News - Exercise
Stress reduced!
Stress hormones reduced!
By Nick Lynch S.S.C, C.F.T.
We have all heard stress is bad for you, which is indeed true! Some of us have heard of a stress hormone called cortisol and the effects it brings. Cortisol in its natural state is actually good for the body; however, when stress is not handled cortisol becomes bad. So how do we keep cortisol at a natural healthy level and stay happy, lean and healthy? Exercise, eat well, breathe and take breaks when necessary. Lets learn some more about cortisol so we can all better understand it’s pro’s and con’s.
Cortisol has a very necessary natural function which is to lower our sensitivity to pain, quick burst of energy in survival situations and heightened memory functions. A real miracle hormone from the sounds of it right? Right!!!! This hormone is good for you as are all natural components of your body. Your body is really a genius, built to its own perfection. There are certain ways cortisol is however bad and can harm your perfectly working system.
For example, have you ever felt overwhelmed, over stressed, over worked? Or have you had something traumatic happen in your personal life? I bet you have, we all have and when this happens cortisol can start to have a negative effect on the body. Cortisol can cause suppressed thyroid function, decreased bone density, decrease in muscle tissue, lower immunity to cuts and healing, increased lower abdominal fat, blood sugar imbalances and therefore an offspring of health risks. Of course your first stressful situation will not cause all these reactions or even a few stressful situations here and there are fine. The point is not to be stressed everyday and over trifling situations. Learn to control your stress and therefore you will live a healthier, easier and more productive life. How? You may be asking your self.
3 deep breaths is a good start, this will help relax your diaphragm and shoulders down. You will feel instant relief when taking each deep breath in through your nostrils and breathing slowly out your mouth. Your stomach should project when you breathe in and relax down with the exhale. A few more tips are as follows: Exercise, brisk walk, lying back down on the floor for 5 minutes or more if necessary, 10 minutes of quite time (no cell phones, computer, book or any distractions), day dreaming, classical music, hugs, sex, stretching and personal preference. If you have some sort of healthy activity that helps you relax that does not involve environmental stressors such as drugs, stimulants etc. go for it!!!
We now know you can use cortisol to your advantage by managing your stress and your day will be much better. Here at imsuperb.com you are in a good place to start handling your stress. Give someone you like or love a big hug and take a couple minutes to slow down your day, after you have done so those couple minutes will turn into 15 of productivity.
