Nattaproblem

Stress is the touted culprit to most ailments, and if it’s not the direct cause it surely plays a part in diminishing the returns we get from our bodies.  When we face mounting demands from our jobs, sudden information that changes the trajectory of our lives, or sudden shifts in circumstances, our bodies go into “Endocrine overdrive.”  What is “Endocrine?” The Endocrine system is a glandular circuit in our bodies that aids in our growth and development, moods, sexual energy, metabolism, and a whole host of other functions.

For purposes of stress however, the main glands involved include our hypothalamus, adrenal glands, thyroid and pituitary gland.  You can think of the hypothalamus as the command center for the endocrine system.  Working together as a unit, this system controls our growth, blood pressure, temperature, and pain sensation.  Hormones such as epinephrine, nor epinephrine, and dopamine are secreted to help the human body cope with stress.  In other words, when we’re faced with a dangerous situation or sudden pressure to survive, these neurotransmitters signal our body to “fight.”  It’s quite remarkable when one thinks of the survival stories out there, but in terms of every-day metropolis stress, these hormones can sometimes impede our health.

The adrenal gland secretes cortisol in response to stress, and low blood glucose levels.  It is the go-to steroid hormone the human body uses to prevent or reduce inflammation. The pituitary gland and adrenal gland work together to secrete this substance to help you manage your sugar levels and overall metabolism. More importantly it helps you get through your exercise routine by insuring that there’s a sufficient level of glucose to sustain your energy.

Okay, there’s the basic science (and by basic I mean BASIC) behind stress.  To understand how to cope with stress and manage it, it’s important to understand the fundamentals. What causes us to bite our lip, clench our jaw, fidget?  Or worse, pull our hair, sweat, secrete too much oil through our skin, break out in acne (this is debatable, but from my perspective, it’s a stress response), become inflamed in various areas of the body?  The list goes on and on and on and on.  Stress therefore kicks our hormonal system into overdrive, and the challenge we face is this: how do we calm the hormones and release them of such a responsibility?  How do we help our bodies help themselves?

The answers are all related to making ourselves feel better.  Once we feel better, we worry less, and our bodies pull back on all the hormone secretion.  We are back in balance.  There are 7 ways I cope with stress.  These aren’t the only methods, but they work for a vast majority of people. Enjoy.

1.)  Limit your caffeine intake.  If you’re typically a nervous person please please please limit your intake of caffeine.  No need to fan the flames with coffee.  Caffeine and tea are scientifically well known substances which help stimulate brain function and even aid in weight loss. However, when you’re prone to stress (aka a type A personality), you don’t want to egg on your body by adding another dose of stimulation.  You may be asking, so what the heck should I drink?  There are a myriad of choices here that are equally tasty and refreshing. Water, aloe vera drinks, and coconut water. In fact, cocunut water has electrolytes, magnesium, and anti-oxidant properties that seem to have scientists and nutritionists raising their eyebrows. Read here for more information on the subject: Coconut water

2.)  Set goals for yourself, write them down, and see them through.  This simple task gets overlooked, but it’s a good one.  Along with the basic training our 2nd grade teachers gave us such as attitude, team-work, generosity etc., setting goals is a surefire way to hold you accountable for your life.  This will in turn decrease your anxiety, and lower your blood pressure because there’s really no better feeling than finally accomplishing a task that you’ve worked tirelessly to complete.  Another main reason this has helped me, is the simple fact that it’s externalized through pen and paper.  It’s on a visible object and no longer in my head.  I merely have to remind myself of it by looking at the nightstand,  fridge, or on the mirror (wherever you place your post-its or planner), and I know what I have to do for the day.

3.)  Eat foods that boost your mood.  How do you feel after you have a huge Big Mac and fries, coupled with an ice cream sundae? Good? Okay, how about a couple hours after? Still good? Not likely.  This is because your body loved all the fats and sugar and triglycerides initially, but suddenly has to face the music and get rid of it.  Unless you are Michael Phelps or an Olympic level Triathlete, meals such as these will set you back big time.  Now, try eating a fresh salad, fruit, healthy serving of protein (either through meat, or yogurt etc.) and see how you’re feeling?  There’s a vast difference in how you respond to fresh food versus processed, fried food.  Listen to your body and respect it’s wishes.  It’s really not that difficult. Fresh foods = fresh mind.

4.)  Exercise.  This word is thrown around like a hot potato lately.  But why? Well, mainly because it works. Exercise does for your body what a solid tune up and wash does for your car.  Every time you go hiking, swimming, lifting or yoga-ing, you stretch out your muscles (at least you should be), create sensory responses that force your body to work in a way that doesn’t happen when you’re on the couch.  What happens when you exercise is truly magical.  It releases tension because you increase blood flow to your muscles and organs.  Exercise creates a circular bond between your brain, nervous system, and respiratory system that floods your body with neurotransmitters, nutrients and chemicals.  It makes your body activate itself in a way that reminds us why we’re alive in the first place.  We can do a push-up. We can run, swim, jump, dance!  When your body works out, it rewards you by boosting your confidence and this in turn minimizes the potential of mental and physical injury.  If you’re stressed out and have the option of going for that Starbucks Frappuccino or the gym, unless it’s your once a week cheat day, you better walk your butt to the gym.

5.)  Stay and be POSITIVE.  Life isn’t always a box of chocolates.  Dreams don’t always come true, but honestly there’s a lot to live for.  This is something that I have personally had to work on.  Most people aren’t handed their dreams on a silver platter.  They have to work at it, and this mature consciousness takes some time to develop.  I have reached an epiphany lately that you are what you think, not just what you eat!  There are a few Debbie downers out there, because life doesn’t always hand you a good hand.  Stay active, keep your mind and body functioning at a productive pace, and surround yourself with other motivated, positive souls.  You’re going to be ok. It’s “nattaproblem.” haha.

6.)  Listen to or make music.  Ever heard of music therapy?  It literally means: playing music for the sick to help them heal. Um…so if you’re still reading this, you need to stop and go download your favorite artists album off of Spotify pronto.  Music spurs imagination, and movement.  Whenever I listen to music, I choreograph the ideal dance routine or martial arts routine in my head.  That’s just me.  Then I go to a studio or gym and find out that I’m way ahead of myself.  Music is one of my lifesavers, and when I add exercise to the equation I become unstoppable. Try it. Classical, jazz, latin-jazz fusion, hip-hop.  It’s all good, and it should make you feel better.  Here’s an article on how it’s directly involved with the endocrine system: Music and stress

7.)  Stay in touch with friends and loved ones.  Group therapy exists for this very reason.  We need others to validate ourselves.  Hollywood is a different story altogether with the Instagram popularity contest put on overdrive between all the artists. What I’m talking about however, is the easy access you have to a stress reliever with a mere touch of a button.  Call your friend, aunt or sibling.  Surprise them and tell them about your worries and life changes.  The hardest obstacle we face is overcoming our fears and embarrassment.   If we do, we overcome stress.   I suprise myself everytime I call somebody and tell them about my thoughts and concerns just to learn that they’re going through a similar situation.  You are never alone. Conversation has been a fantastic healing agent in my life, and as long as it stays positive you will be ready to tackle the world in no time.

I hope this inspires you to keep your Endocrine system happy, and leads you towards a more stress-free productive lifestyle.  If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my 32 years of living, it’s this: your body is your secret weapon.  Shield it from harm, treat it with respect and it will help you fight through the nonsense in this world to help you succeed.  Thank you for reading yet another post.  Ciao.