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Internal Memes: Parasites and Predators of the Mind. How to Manage Stress Over the last few decades, a rising tide of studies has demonstrated the value of regularly engaging in activities that blunt the stress response in one way or another. Essential Reads.
The American Institute of Stress
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The Perfect Vacation Pack your bags. Everyone Needs a Break. This way, the lungs can take in as much oxygen as possible with each breath. Extra oxygen is sent to the brain, increasing alertness. Sight, hearing, and other senses become sharper.
Symptoms of stress
Meanwhile, epinephrine triggers the release of blood sugar glucose and fats from temporary storage sites in the body. These nutrients flood into the bloodstream, supplying energy to all parts of the body. All of these changes happen so quickly that people aren't aware of them. In fact, the wiring is so efficient that the amygdala and hypothalamus start this cascade even before the brain's visual centers have had a chance to fully process what is happening. That's why people are able to jump out of the path of an oncoming car even before they think about what they are doing.
As the initial surge of epinephrine subsides, the hypothalamus activates the second component of the stress response system — known as the HPA axis. This network consists of the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, and the adrenal glands. The HPA axis relies on a series of hormonal signals to keep the sympathetic nervous system — the "gas pedal" — pressed down. If the brain continues to perceive something as dangerous, the hypothalamus releases corticotropin-releasing hormone CRH , which travels to the pituitary gland, triggering the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone ACTH.
This hormone travels to the adrenal glands, prompting them to release cortisol. The body thus stays revved up and on high alert. When the threat passes, cortisol levels fall. The parasympathetic nervous system — the "brake" — then dampens the stress response. Many people are unable to find a way to put the brakes on stress.
Chronic low-level stress keeps the HPA axis activated, much like a motor that is idling too high for too long. After a while, this has an effect on the body that contributes to the health problems associated with chronic stress. Persistent epinephrine surges can damage blood vessels and arteries, increasing blood pressure and raising risk of heart attacks or strokes.
Elevated cortisol levels create physiological changes that help to replenish the body's energy stores that are depleted during the stress response. But they inadvertently contribute to the buildup of fat tissue and to weight gain.
Struggling with stress?
For example, cortisol increases appetite, so that people will want to eat more to obtain extra energy. It also increases storage of unused nutrients as fat. Relaxation response. Come back from every setback a stronger and better leader. If you read nothing else on mental toughness, read these ten articles by experts in the field The importance of achieving focus goes well beyond your own productivity.
Deep focus allows you to lead others successfully, find clarity amid uncertainty, Build, broaden and refresh your leadership and management skills with this hands-on, interactive online learning resource that addresses your most critical Stop running on empty.
Meditation for Stress
Every day you juggle the many components that fill your life. Between work and family commitments, volunteer work, hobbies, and Life's too short to be unhappy at work. Kerstin Berger observes her new colleague Tina Orton gradually slide into complete dysfunction and burnout. Orton, just hired, is given very little guidance This online course provides practical advice for implementing, managing, and communicating change in your organization. Learn how to approach change with Are you suffering from work-related stress? Feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and short-tempered at work--and at home?
Then you may have too much stress A Practical Guide in Five Steps. Most executives will lead or be a part of a reorganization effort a reorg at some point in their careers.