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This Week's Little Life Notes from Me to You
Only a few more weeks to go before we'll see flowers like these in the stores to brighten our homes. In the meantime, here in Ontario we have for Family Day, so for some a day off. Winter has given us a last blast, but thankfully the sun has been shining lately, so we will check out the trails at the Heber Downs conservation area.
Have a great weekend!
The Right Attitude to Stress for Heart Health and Longevity
by Francie Adamson
One of the risk factors for cardiovascular disease is stress. The question is how much and what kind of stress has a negative effect?
Studies have shown that what we think about stress can alter how it affects us.
In one study people were told that stress was good for them- the result was that the effects of stress on their bodies was lessened. When people were told that stress was very bad for them, the effects worsened.
This is the placebo effect at work- when we believe that something has a positive impact on our health - from pills, supplements, activities to stress or relaxation, then it does- Estimates of the placebo cure rate range from a low of 15 percent to a high of 72 (Psychology Today: The Placebo Effect: How it works, 2012)
Some people feel better taking a placebo even thought they know it’s a sugar pill!
In an article by Clifton B. Parker in the Stanford News, My 7th, 2015, he cites Stanford psychologist Kelly McGonigal who says that:
“viewing stress more positively seems to encourage people to cope in ways that help them thrive.”
The take-away is that embracing stress reduces its negative impact making us feel better, improving our self-image so that we’re stronger, happier and even smarter.
This doesn’t mean that you should neglect relaxation. Our body's Autonomic Nervous System has two complimentary sides. The parasympathetic side controls relax and renew- cell repair and digestion, it slows heart rate and dilates blood vessels. The sympathetic nervous systems gives us our get-up and go, also associated with fight or flight, increasing heart rate and constricting blood vessels.
The Autonomic Nervous System regulates our body’s function and is impaired by chronic stress.
This can lead to cardiovascular disease; high blood pressure, heart problems and strokes and embolisms. Our Autonomic nervous system operates best when there is a significant difference between our body's resting state and our active state.
One reason exercise is good for the body is because it raises the heart rate.
After exercising the heart rate lowers. This increases the difference in our nervous systems ‘automatic settings’ when we’re resting or in action. Stress and excitement operate in the same way, however, with stress our body can have trouble returning to a resting state.
The activities of the mind caused by stress can inhibit relaxation.
This is why stress can leave you you tossing or turning at night, with high blood pressure, an impaired immune system or poor digestion. Being proactive in finding and engaging in ways to relax is good for your health, your heart in particular.
If you understand that both stress and relaxation are desirable and it’s important to find the right balance, you can design your life to support a healthy body and mind.
Check the RESOURCE section below for some apps with music, meditation and relaxations to support your parasympathetic Nervous System.
ONLINE EVENT
Breathe with Purpose and Find Joy Within
Explore the profound benefits of breathwork in my upcoming masterclass!
On-line: February 28-
7 PM EST 8 PM CENTRAL
This masterclass is a refuge where you will discover how breathwork can elevate your energy, reduce stress, and cultivate inner bliss.
As your guide, I bring 15 years of experience as a yoga therapist and health coach, helping individuals reconnect to stillness amidst the chaos.
Let's unravel the knots of busyness and societal pressures together. Join me in rediscovering the profound simplicity of inner joy.
Secure your spot for an insightful journey toward well-being now. Have any questions or need further information? Feel free to reach out to me.
REGISTER
RELAXATION RESOURCES
Headspace:
Website: www.headspace.com
Headspace offers guided meditation and mindfulness exercises designed to reduce stress, improve sleep, and enhance overall well-being. It's available as a mobile app and website.
Calm:
Website: www.calm.com
Calm provides meditation sessions, sleep stories, breathing exercises, and relaxing music to help users manage stress, anxiety, and improve sleep quality.
Mindful:
Website: www.mindful.org
Mindful offers articles, guided meditations, and courses focused on mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques to promote resilience and well-being.
CONNECT WITH ME
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joycoreconnection
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francie-adamson-1686a41a/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joycoreconnection/
Blog: https://joycore.ca/yoga-wellness-blog/
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