The best definition for stress of any kind is change. Stress can be from changes outside our body (temperature, sunlight, noise, etc.) or from inside our body (hunger, dehydration, lack of rest, etc.) and even from our own thoughts (social expectations, time pressures, financial worries, etc.). With so many changes occurring during the holidays – and on so many levels – it is always wise to talk about stress that occurs around this time of year.
The destructive power of stress
The term “stress” was originally used as an engineering term. It describes the destructive forces acting on specific structures. For instance, stress was the term used to describe the effect of weight on a bridge. Stress describes the weight on the bridge coupled with extreme winds and complicated by temperature extremes – the combination of all destructive forces trying to tear apart a structure.
Is that not the way people feel when they are under stress? Don’t you feel like you are being pulled in every direction until you are pulled apart? “Stress” is a good description of the distress of our mind and body brought on by internal and external destructive forces.
The healing power of homeostasis
Humans are remarkably resilient; we adapt to new situations with relative ease. This is because of a body process called homeostasis. If stress is pulling us apart, homeostasis is putting us back together. As long as homeostasis has access to all of the resources its possible to not feel the destructive power of stress.
The keys to homeostasis:
- Having all of the possible nutrients available all of the time
- Being perfectly rested
- Being optimally hydrated every moment
- Feeling completely supported and able to cope with any emotional demand at any given moment.
A nutrient reservoir like this will allow homeostasis to draw resources from our “bank account” and use them to satisfy the demands placed upon us.
It you are lacking in any demanded resource, a special function of homeostasis will be engaged. I like to call it the Robin Hood function: it allows our body to rob one area to support another area. This is often seen in the special stress adaptation called “fight or flight.” Fight-or-flight response is like emergency spending with credit cards. Sooner or later the debt must be repaid.
In the Robin Hood function the debt comes at an extreme price. It is not uncommon for a body under stress to sacrifice an entire organ or organ system to maintain balance in another system. For example, your muscles or bones may be robbed to supply nutrients needed for the stress response. Homeostasis must be maintained, even if this is at great sacrifice.
Holiday stress?
With this image in mind it is no wonder that people feel pulled apart around the holidays: there are just too many changes and too few resources available to meet the demands of homeostasis. Stress pulls us apart and our health suffers.
Since health resources are accumulated slowly and spent rapidly it makes sense to re-classify “holiday stress” as just plain stress! The methods for dealing with any kind of stress are the same no matter what time of year it is: nutrients and nurturing.
Anti-stress nutrients include a multiple vitamin/mineral supplement (I use VitaDaily AM/PM) and an essential fatty acid supplement such as OmegaPrime. Next, the known stress-busting effects of sublingual Vitamin B-12 and adaptogens serve to reinforce homeostasis like an economic stimulus package for our nervous system. If you feel stress pulling you apart, take more of these two special anti-stress nutrients.
Nurturing your health comes from vigorously applying the 10 Essentials for Health and Wellness. Plan ahead and budget your energy for times when demands are greater and you face more changes than usual. In the end, don’t be afraid to say “no” – it can literally be the difference between maintaining balance through homeostasis or being pulled apart by stress.
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This story was written by Brazos Minshew.
Posted by
Joe Roffers
TriVita Independent Affiliate 13156240
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