Understanding the Body: Our Amazing Creation and Its Signals
Our bodies are more than just physical forms; they are how we interact with our surroundings, present ourselves to others, and express who we are. They serve as our vehicles to get things done and our shelter from the elements. The body is an amazing creation, with all of its systems working together in perfect harmony. When we get too warm, the body releases the excess heat. When we get too cold, the body shivers to warm up. We don’t have to think about it; it just happens. The body knows what to do and how to do it.
However, we often get in the way by eating and doing whatever we want and ignoring the signals our bodies send to get our attention. These signals include pain, discomfort, achiness, soreness, uneasiness, suspicion, and dread. These clues provide us with essential information we need to navigate our environment. If we ignore these clues, we risk getting sick or injured, or worse. By not listening to our bodies, we increase the risk of unwellness and ill health, especially as time goes by.
The Impact of Stress on Our Bodies
One of the most common symptoms of stress is muscle tension. The muscles that produce the greatest amount of stress and tension are located on the backside of the body, which is why massage can be so beneficial. Stress hormones, like cortisol, are associated with weight gain and other physical symptoms such as headaches, chest pain, fatigue, changes in libido, stomach upset, and sleep problems. These symptoms can also indicate illness, so it’s important to get checked out by your doctor. Discuss your concerns with them and get blood tests done.
Unattenuated stress can increase the severity of various conditions such as gastritis, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, migraine headaches, anxiety, depression, and any other chronic disease. Chronic pain is another sign of stress. Chronic stress and chronic pain share a common behavioral model of failure to extinguish negative memories. In other words, chronic pain and stress go together, and physical relaxation is the perfect antidote for all stress.
Recognizing Dysfunction and Taking Action
Dysfunction in the body can exhibit several signs to the observer: overeating or undereating, angry outbursts, drug or alcohol misuse or abuse, addictive behaviors, and social withdrawal. Additional health risks include the development of high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. Once these conditions set in, it becomes much more difficult to release chronic stress. Stress and pain affect the body very similarly; it’s often unclear whether chronic stress leads to chronic pain, or chronic pain leads to chronic stress.
Take Control of Your Wellness
The first step in managing your wellness is to get a diagnosis. Don’t take chances with your health. Chronic stress is a long, winding road that intersects with many other afflictions. By paying attention to the signals your body sends, you can take proactive steps to maintain your health and well-being. Remember, your body is an amazing creation, and by taking care of it, you can ensure it continues to serve you well throughout your life.
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