Stress Reduction Through Mindfulness
Perhaps you've heard of the Fight or Flight Reaction. When experiencing either a real or perceived threat it’s normal for people to experience a rush of adrenaline via the sympathetic nervous system preparing the body to act. Adrenaline gives the body the added energy it needs to either fight off the threat or run away. This was useful on the plains of Africa when our ancestors were confronted by wild animals. It can also be useful today in crisis situations where quick action and strength are needed. But with many life stressors this added energy has no acceptable outlet. Road rage is an example of "fight or flight" out of control.

In our modern everyday lives we have many stressful experiences that trigger our stress response hormones but where fighting or fleeing are unacceptable behaviors. Work pressures, health problems, and relationship issues are only a few of the common stressors we all experience that can set off our anger and our fear. But with few acceptable outlets to exhaust our highly reactive state, stress hormones remain in our system and cause havoc with our physical and emotional health. Mindfulness interrupts the "fight or flight" cycle by teaching the mind to rest in the present moment. Through mindful-awareness we learn how to respond to stress rather than reacting through fear or anger.

Just living our lives invites stress. Whether it's the everyday stress of life or the fear of unforeseen circumstances mindfulness-meditation can help. Mindfulness is proving to be a reliable tool for decreasing stress and anxiety while increasing joy, calm, and confidence. Please call me with any questions you have at 503-252-3739.