As someone who has worked with thousands of people from all corners of the world, I can confidently say that stress is the biggest barrier to good health. Our reactions to the world around us are often the root cause of stress. The good news is that we have complete control over our perception and how we react to it, which can help us to quickly lower our stress levels.
Chronic stress can have profound effects on the brain, including structural changes and reduced hippocampal volume, which is responsible for memory and learning. Hello brain fog! It can also cause changes in the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for decision-making, attention, and impulse control. These changes can contribute to mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
In the body, chronic stress can cause a range of physical health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, autoimmune disorders, obesity, and many other health issues. Stress also weakens the immune system, making us more susceptible to infections and other illnesses.
To change our perception and reduce stress, we need to become aware of our automatic thoughts and beliefs. Each thought we have sends a signal of either “danger” or “safety” to the brain and body. In our fast-paced world, we are constantly bombarded with signals of danger, such as urgent notifications, deadlines, and breaking news stories. It’s easy to spend the entire day reacting to these danger signals and fearful thoughts as if they were true. However, this constant state of high alert can lead to serious health issues such as sleep deprivation, depleted hormones, and weakened immunity.
To break this cycle, we must observe our thoughts and replace them with signals of safety. This means deliberately focusing on positive, reassuring thoughts and beliefs about ourselves and the world around us. By doing so, we can reduce our stress levels and improve our overall health and well-being. Remember, we are in control of our perception and our response to stress, and we can choose to use this superpower to create a healthier, happier, and more peaceful life.
