Understanding
Stress
The Mind Body
Connection
Stress and Heart Disease
When stress is
left unmanaged,
it can lead to
psychological
and physical
problems.
Chronic stress
exposes our
bodies to
unhealthy,
persistently
elevated levels of
stress hormones
like adrenaline
and cortisol…..
Increased heart
rate, respiratory
rate, & blood
pressure. Muscle
tension. Feelings
of anxiety, anger,
hostility, &
depression…..
Common Stressors
*Illness—personal or family member/friend
*Death of a loved one
*Starting a new job, unemployment or retirement
*Personal relationship problems with family/friends
*Work overload (taking on too much work/responsibility)
*Financial concerns
*Daily hassles
•
•
•
•
Dizziness/headaches
Restlessness
Muscle tension
Difficulty sleepingfatigue
• Indigestion
• Weight gain or loss
•
•
•
•
•
Anger, hostility
Mood swings
Negative thinking
Sadness/depression
Anxiety/nervousness
• Constant worry
• Inability to
concentrate
• Forgetfulness
• Poor memory
• Indecisiveness
Physical
Cognitive
Emotional
Behavioral
• Compulsive eating
• Overuse of alcohol
or other drugs
• Withdrawal from
relationships or
social situations
Stress itself is a contributing factor
in Heart Disease
What Stress Hormones do to raise
our risk of Heart Disease
 Constrict our blood vessels Increasing Blood
pressure and Heart rate.
 Increase the amount of circulating fats and
cholesterol.
 Increase in storage of fat.
 Increases blood sugar levels.
 Increases water retention.
 Decreases clotting time, by increasing the number of
circulating platelets.
 Can cause an erratic heartbeat.
More Negative Effects of Stress
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Increases our risk of Type II Diabetes.
Slows wound healing.
Depresses our immune system.
Exacerbates cases of asthma, Chron’s Disease, Ulcers,
skin conditions such as psoriasis, flare ups of shingles.
Affects the digestive system-nausea, bloating,
diarrhea, or constipation, & heartburn.
Impairs our memory and ability to learn new things.
Increases our chances of having problems with
depression and anxiety.
Chronic headaches, neck-shoulder-back pain due to
chronic muscle tension.
Different Forms of Stress
Varying types of People
We cannot Run from Stress………..So……
 Whenever possible decrease the demands placed on
you and your time.
 And increase your use of coping strategies, to keep life
in balance:
 Exercise (All forms, including yoga, tai chi, etc.)
 Hobbies
 Social support (Friends and Family are very important)
 Relaxation strategies/techniques (Deep breathing,
listening to music, meditation, guided imagery, etc.)
 Learn to say NO!!!!
Somehow we must develop faith
And trust in our self
Anything the mind can conceive
And believe, the mind can “achieve.”
The thought manifests as the word.
The word manifests as the deed.
The deed develops into habit.
And the habit hardens into character.
So watch the thought and its ways with care!
From a Course in Miracles