As we approach the end of the year, I'd like to talk about stress and look beyond it...
Where does it come from?
The word "stress" comes from the Latin "stringere," which means "to tighten" or "to squeeze."
So it is a physical reaction of tightening, of tensing. When stress arises, it is a natural human response to challenges and threats—fight or flight—that we lived with in very ancient times, designed for a short-term physical response to a Paleolithic stressor.
Today it also shows up as a state of mental or emotional tension brought on by a difficult situation—moving house, the death of someone close, a separation, and so on—but it first shows up on a physical level, and then mentally and emotionally.
According to Hans Selye, the "father of stress," there are 3 stages of stress:
• Alarm stage: the body's initial response to stress, characterized by the release of stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol.
• Resistance stage: if the stress continues, the body adapts and tries to cope with the stressor.
• Exhaustion stage: prolonged stress can lead to exhaustion, in which the body's resources are depleted and the person becomes more susceptible to illness.
How to manage stress?
1) Recognize: Where and how does stress show up in my body? Develop an awareness of recognizing stress.
2) Name it: What do I feel? Creating distance between the experience of stress and yourself.
3) Physical activity: When you feel stress, take a pause and start moving your body. Movement can complete the cycle of the sympathetic nervous system response and return you to a more stable (grounded) state.
4) Breathe slowly and deeply: If it helps, you can place your hand on your center,
inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth all the toxins, releasing the stress and anxiety.
5) Set an intention: Once you feel you've returned to a calmer state, intend the inner sensation of calm and inspiration, visualizing yourself with stability and confidence.
If you'd like to go deeper into practices that support you in managing stress, anxiety, and/or exhaustion through Qigong, let me know!
Much love always,
Serok
Want to practice this in your body? Each course works with one element at your own pace, with immediate access. And if you don't know where to start, write to me.
