Hold That Thought -Mini Video
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When we talk about stress, we’re referring to how our minds and bodies react when we feel threatened or worried. This reaction happens automatically, like a built-in alarm system. Our bodies release hormones to help us deal with the threat. This can make our muscles tense up, breathe faster, or make us feel frozen in place. It’s helpful when facing a real danger, but in our modern lives, our thoughts and feelings can trigger this response too, leaving us feeling anxious.
Our bodies are like superheroes, always looking out for us. They react quickly to anything that seems threatening to keep us safe. This could be a scary situation to just feeling stressed about something. Our bodies might prepare us to fight, run away, or freeze up. These reactions are natural and helpful in danger, but they can also make us feel tense and worried in everyday situations.
When we’re constantly on high alert for threats, our bodies are like running on overdrive. This can make it hard to focus on anything else, leaving us feeling tired and drained. It’s like our energy gets used up just dealing with stress, leaving little over for enjoying life.
Simply put, stress is how our body reacts to danger, even if it’s just something we’re worried about. Our bodies get tired from always being on guard, making it hard to relax and enjoy life. With practice, we can calm this response down and tap into a relaxation mode.
The “Relaxation Response” occurs when you engage in repetitive mental or physical activity and let go of distracting thoughts. It’s the opposite of the stress response- it’s like hitting the reset button for your nervous system.
Your mind and body are closely connected. When your mind perceives a threat, it can cause physical tension in your body. But, just as easily, when your mind feels safe, it can signal your body to relax.
Researchers have found that you can turn on your body’s relaxation response by doing simple things like taking slow, deep breaths and consciously relaxing your muscles. This helps your body release calming hormones, making you feel more relaxed and focused in just a few minutes.
Many activities can trigger this response. Examples include deep breathing, meditation, yoga, going for a run, walking mindfully, or listening to calming music. Even just a few minutes of these activities each day can be helpful. When you need to relax, remember that your mind can help by telling your body to calm down. Try deep breathing or meditation to feel more relaxed and focused, even when you’re busy.
Relaxation practices help you access your body’s natural relaxation response. These practices can improve concentration, lower your blood pressure, lift your mood, and even boost your immune system. When you relax your mind and body, your body can return to its normal state, letting you focus on other activities like spending time with family, reading, watching a show, or learning something new.
When your mind and body are relaxed, you have more energy for activities you enjoy, and you can think more clearly about the things that need your attention. A relaxed mind is crucial for making thoughtful decisions. When you’re stressed, it’s like being on a treadmill—using up energy without moving forward. But when you’re relaxed, you can tap into your inner wisdom and use your energy to make choices that help you reach your goals
Many people find that practicing relaxation skills in the morning sets a positive tone for the day, or in the evening before bed promotes deep rest. Learning to relax your mind and body can also help you fall asleep more easily. As you practice relaxation techniques, you’ll become better at noticing when your body is becoming stressed, making it easier to return to a relaxed and focused state. With more practice, you’ll find it easier to shift from feeling anxious to feeling peaceful.
We recommend watching Dr. Herbert Benson’s video to learn more about relaxation practices. You can also check out the handout on our website for more information. Remember, different relaxation practices may work better for you in different situations. Even practicing for a few minutes each day can be helpful.
The Relaxation Response provides a foundation for many mindfulness practices. These practices help you connect with your body’s natural way of relaxing. When we’re stressed, our body sends signals to our muscles, preparing us to either fight, run away, or freeze. By learning to tap into our body’s relaxation response instead, we can turn off these stress signals and calm down. These practices release stress, helping us feel more relaxed and centered even when things are tough.