The spiritual path can be described as the journey from being nobody to becoming somebody and finally to being nobody again. Here, we look at the processes that govern this movement More>>
However hard we try to go beyond a stress situation, life seems to find
new ways of stressing us out. Moreover, be it our anxiety, mind-body exhaustion
or our erring attitudes, we tend to overlook stressors and the conditions
triggered by those. In such unsettling moments we often forget that stressors,
if not escapable, are fairly manageable and treatable.
Stress, either quick or constant, can induce risky body-mind disorders.
Immediate disorders such as dizzy spells, anxiety, tension, sleeplessness,
nervousness and muscle cramps can all result in chronic health problems.
They may also affect our immune, cardiovascular and nervous systems and
lead individuals to habitual addictions, which are inter-linked with stress.
Like "stress reactions", "relaxation responses" are
some of body's important built-in response systems. As a relaxation response
the body tries to get back balance in its homeostasis. Some hormones released
during the 'fight or flight' situation prompt the body to replace the
lost carbohydrates and fats, and restore the energy level. The knotted
nerves, tightened muscles and an exhausted mind crave for looseners. Unfortunately,
today, we don't get relaxing and soothing situations without asking. To
be relaxed we have to strive to create such situations.
It is important to recognize whether you are under stress or out of it.
Many times, even if we are under the influence of a stressful condition
and our body reacts to it internally as well as externally, we fail to
realize that we are reacting under stress. This also happens when the
stressors are there long enough for us to get habituated to them. The
body constantly tries to tell us through symptoms such as rapid palpitation,
dizzy spells, tight muscles or various body aches that something is wrong.
It is important to remain attentive to such symptoms and to learn to cope
with the situations.
We cope better with stressful situation, when we encounter them voluntarily.
In cases of a relocation, promotion or layoff, adventurous sports or having
a baby, we tend to respond positively under stress.But, when we are compelled
into such situations against our will or knowledge, more often than not,
we wilt at the face of unknown and imagined threats. For instance, stress
may mount when one is coerced into undertaking some work against one's
will.
Adopting a humorous view towards life's situations can take the edge off
everyday stressors. Not being too serious or in a constant alert mode
helps maintain the equanimity of mind and promote clear thinking. Being
able to laugh stress away is the smartest way to ward off its effects.
A sense of humor also allows us to perceive and appreciate the incongruities
of life and provides moments of delight. The emotions we experience directly
affect our immune system. The positive emotions can create neurochemical
changes that buffer the immunosuppressive effects of stress.
During stress, the adrenal gland releases corticosteroids, which are converted
to cortisol in the blood stream. These have an immunosuppressive effect.
Dr. Lee Berk and fellow researcher Dr. Stanley Tan at Loma Linda University
School of Medicine have produced carefully controlled studies showing
that the experience of laughter
lowers serum cortisol levels, increases the amount and activity of T lymphocytes—the
natural killer cells. Laughter also increases the number of T cells that
have suppresser receptors.
What Laughter
Can Do Against Stress And Its Effects:
• Laughter lowers blood pressure and reduces hypertension.
• It provides good cardiac conditioning especially for those who
are unable to perform physical exercise.
• Reduces stress hormones (studies shows, laughter induces reduction
of at least four of neuroendocrine hormones—epinephrine, cortisol,
dopac, and growth hormone, associated with stress response).
• Laughter cleanses the lungs and body tissues of accumulated stale
air as it empties more air than it takes in. It is beneficial for patients
suffering from emphysema and other respiratory ailments.
• It increases muscle flexion, relaxation and fluent blood circulation
in body.
• Boosts immune function by raising levels of infection-fighting
T-cells, disease-fighting proteins called Gamma-interferon and disease-destroying
antibodies called B-cells.
• Laughter triggers the release of endorphins—body's natural
painkillers.
