Taking your own health seriously
So often we are dismissive of our state of health – “It’s only a cold”, or “it’s just stress”.
But without scaremongering or becoming hypochondriac, it is not wise to brush these things off.
Why did we catch that cold? Is our immune system flat or overwhelmed? Did we allow a prolonged cool down period after exercise, where sweat chilled the body? Rapid uncontrolled changes of temperature can be challenging to the body & are a form of stress.
Did we stay up late, working late to catch up, or did we socialise into the wee small hours too frequently? The body needs good sleep to operate a robust immune system – and so much more.
Did we leave emotional loose ends? Harmonious relationships reduce stress and promote healthy brain chemicals, and unresolved issues are stressful.
And stress – for some, stress comes and goes, but when stress becomes chronic, serious bodily damage can occur. During stressful events, neuroendocrine, cardiovascular and emotional responses become activated and can disturb the body’s physiological equilibrium. Studies have shown that chronic stress can bring on changes to gene expression.
Just in the last week, clients have presented in clinic with various disorders such as insomnia, difficulty falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep, skin rashes, digestive problems, even weight gain – and stress has underpinned or been involved in their development. The types of stress or causes have all been different ( for example, court cases, relationship break-ups or conflicts, business or economic problems, lost jobs or reduced income) but the end result is the same – the dysfunction of the body.
It does help to be in tune with your body and when you detect something is not right, listen to that and self-correct or seek advice before physical manifestations become entrenched. The longer you leave it, the longer it will take to resolve.