Stress is any challenge the body cannot meet without compromising the ideal state of function. When a challenge is not met and appropriate recovery is not possible, the function of the body in a specific region will be developmentally compromised, resulting in what I call artifacts of compromise. But remember: Not all stress is bad. As long as…
You often hear about the negative effects of stress. But it is important to understand how stress can be beneficial, too. There are both good and bad types of stress. Any plan for increasing general well-being should be centered around the reduction and management of stress. However, stressful experiences can also be entertaining and enriching.…
The state of matter we call life is marked by a continual flow of energy through the cell. The relationship between the cell, its internal environment, and its external environment, is essential for promoting positive development as well as healing and recovery. When the body undergoes stress—whether mental, physical, emotional, nutritional, or toxic—this can lead…
People often talk about “holiday stress.” But what does that really mean? Are the holidays stressful in and of themselves? Why do tasks like holiday shopping, decorating, cooking, and wrapping presents stress some people out, while making others feel joyful and cheery? These two very different responses to so-called “stressful” events help to highlight the…
You probably already know that your cognitive and emotional states affect your physical health and the way your body functions (e.g., psychosocial stress can have a negative impact on heart health). But did you know that the converse is also true? Chemicals taken in from your environment as well as produced within your cells affect…
Stress is usually thought of as psychological. But there are many different types, which can be divided into the five categories of stress: mental, physical, emotional, nutritional, and toxic. I have developed these general categories to help my clients better understand the various stressors in their lives. The body undergoes stress anytime it encounters a challenge…
Endurance athletics is a popular sport and important pastime. But endurance training can be hard on your body without good nutrition, sleep, and monitoring.1-2 Do you enjoy long, moderately-paced activities like long-distance racing, marathon running, or cross-country skiing? Follow these nine tips for safe and effective endurance training, designed specifically for endurance athletes. Nine Tips…
Stress eating is typically considered a bad thing, especially in terms of weight loss. But did you know that eating well is the best way to overcome stress? In my last post, I discussed how the environment influences your metabolism and, in turn, your mood and your ability to deal with new experiences and stressors.…
I would love it if you would join us on December 10th for my first-ever presentation of Managing Daily Stress in my home city of St. Louis. I have conducted this workshop at several locations out of state, but I’m very excited to finally be presenting it here! It will be held at Nebula Coworking from 6-8pm…
In my last two posts on stress I outlined the syndrome of chronic stress and how it can occur. I will now review these in order to outline how I believe the chronic stress state may be at the root of disease. These diseases may seem unrelated, but are in fact initiated by the…