No matter how organized, happy or content you are, stress will still be a part of your life. Stress is a constellation of events that begins with a stimulus or challenge that is detected by the brain which activates the fight-or-flight systems, according to Firdaus Dhabhar, Professor, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine and expert in this field. The stressor can be pain, jobs, life changes or simply an unpleasant experience. Most research about stress focuses on its negative effects on a person’s health. However, Dhabhar and others claim that stress can sometimes be a friend instead of an enemy.
Beneficial stress
The human body can do many amazing things, including coming to the rescue in time of need. This is commonly called the fight-or-flight response and is found in many parts of nature. This extra energy kicks in to help a lion catch its prey so it can have food to survive. The same response helps his prey to run as fast as possible to avoid being caught. When we experience short-term stress, our pulse speeds up, we breathe more quickly, our muscles become tense and ready for action and our brain calls for more oxygen and becomes alert. Your ability to remember information and to focus can also improve. This level of alertness can be helpful when taking a test, getting through an important interview or defending yourself in times of danger. Researchers are trying to figure out how to harness this time of stress to boost people’s immune systems during surgery and to aid in healing. Short-term stress is the body’s natural response to danger and can help in handling the pressures of life.
Too much stress
When stress continues for a longer period of time, it can begin to have a negative impact on the body. The life-saving responses that helped you initially cope with the stressor can begin to suppress your immune, digestive and sleep systems. This can manifest itself in many ways from headaches to upset stomachs to viral infections. Because the stressful situation didn’t come to an end, the body did not get a signal to return to normal operations. When the body is not functioning properly, other issues can develop like heart disease, high blood pressure or depression.
Dealing with stress
When long term or chronic stress begins to affect your health, it is time to take steps to reduce stress. Dhabhar says that the key is to prevent long-term elevation or abnormal regulation of stress-related biological factors and then maximize the amount of time spent in a resting state. In other words, follow the advice you were given back in health class. Get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly and try to find activities that are enjoyable and relaxing. If health issues have developed like high blood pressure, see a doctor to get the proper care.
Take a look at your life to reduce some of the stressors by setting realistic goals. This means deciding which things have to absolutely be addressed now and which things can wait. Set priorities and realize that you may have to say no to some requests. At the end of each day, focus on your accomplishments rather on the things that did not get done.
Figure out how to reduce the stress and stick with it. It may be tempting to return to your old lifestyle once you feel better but the stress will return. Being consistent is more important than intensity. Taking a short walk daily or getting eight hours of sleep regularly is better than pushing yourself to do a 20 mile run or staying in bed for a whole day on the weekend. Do what you can to give your body the “all clear” sign so it can relax.
Stress during recovery
Medical events and surgery can be stressful events since they cause a major disruption in your family, professional and social life. Researchers have found that if that stress is chronic, the body will not recover as quickly.
Dhabhar’s research has shown that chronic stress can produce long-term increases in inflammation and oxidative damage, which can in turn, affect other medical conditions. It is imperative to take steps to reduce stress during this time so that your body can focus on recovery.
Getting post-hospital rehabilitative care at Glenview Terrace offers an ideal environment for recovery with reduced stress. By staying at Glenview Terrace you can be assured that all of your doctor’s orders are being carried out. All of life’s details such as physical and occupational therapy, pain management, post-surgical care and meal preparation are addressed by qualified, caring staff members. This allows you to focus all your attention on recovery. Therapists will help you regain movement and increase strength. There is also time to relax by watching a newly released movie or finally reading that book you received last year. There are many opportunities to heal and reduce stress
Glenview Terrace delivers this outstanding care in an elegant setting that begins with beautifully landscaped grounds and continues into the spacious, well-appointed rooms. Guests can enjoy concierge service, nutritious meals, leisure activities, a relaxing evening with dozens of cable channels to choose from and other amenities and services designed to pamper guests. For additional information or to arrange a tour, visit glenviewterrace.com or call 847-729-9090.
