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= Lesson 64 - Stress Management: The Life Science Approach =

= Lesson 64 - Stress Management: The Life Science Approach =

== Introduction ==

== Introduction ==

The man was berserk. He drove his car through the front doors of an office building, and then leapt out with a shotgun in his hands. He took aim at the picture of the company president in the building lobby, and shot it full of holes before he was wrestled away by the police.

The man was berserk. He drove his car through the front doors of an office building, and then leapt out with a shotgun in his hands. He took aim at the picture of the company president in the building lobby, and shot it full of holes before he was wrestled away by the police.

Before we learn how to deal with stress, we need to recognize it in our own lives. If we can identify stressful situations, we can either learn to avoid them or to handle them so that they do not trigger a more serious and harmful reaction.

Before we learn how to deal with stress, we need to recognize it in our own lives. If we can identify stressful situations, we can either learn to avoid them or to handle them so that they do not trigger a more serious and harmful reaction.

64.2. The Problem Of Stress

== The Problem Of Stress ==

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hold a wooden pencil between your hands. Slowly apply pressure as you try to bend the pencil. Increase your pressure, and the pencil snaps and breaks. That’s an exam- ple of mechanical stress. Stress is simply a pressure or a strain that tends to distort a body—whether it be a pencil or a person.

Hold a wooden pencil between your hands. Slowly apply pressure as you try to bend the pencil. Increase your pressure, and the pencil snaps and breaks. That’s an exam- ple of mechanical stress. Stress is simply a pressure or a strain that tends to distort a body—whether it be a pencil or a person.

And, to make it more interesting, all stress is not the same. To handle the stress in your life, you need to understand what type of stresses can be made upon you.

And, to make it more interesting, all stress is not the same. To handle the stress in your life, you need to understand what type of stresses can be made upon you.

64.2.2 The Types of Stress

=== The Types of Stress ===

 

Most stress used to be physical and short-term. Now in modern times, stress is usu- ally emotional and long-term. What does this mean?

Most stress used to be physical and short-term. Now in modern times, stress is usu- ally emotional and long-term. What does this mean?

On the other hand, emotional stress brought about by uncertainties, or feelings of helplessness are difficult to handle. We haven’t learned yet how to deal with the type of stress produced by overdue bills or individual shortcomings. And, unlike physical stress, these long-term, stressful emotional states and fears can last for weeks, months, or even years.

On the other hand, emotional stress brought about by uncertainties, or feelings of helplessness are difficult to handle. We haven’t learned yet how to deal with the type of stress produced by overdue bills or individual shortcomings. And, unlike physical stress, these long-term, stressful emotional states and fears can last for weeks, months, or even years.

64.2.3 The Effects of Stress

=== The Effects of Stress ===

 

You already know how stress affects you personally, perhaps it makes you feel tired, fatigued, nervous, or depressed. Stress may make you feel as if the weight of the world was on your shoulders. Emotionally, stress may make us prone to anger, irritability, or even tears. No matter how you personally react to stress, however, the physiological ef- fects of stress are the same for all living creatures. What happens to your body when you experience stress?

You already know how stress affects you personally, perhaps it makes you feel tired, fatigued, nervous, or depressed. Stress may make you feel as if the weight of the world was on your shoulders. Emotionally, stress may make us prone to anger, irritability, or even tears. No matter how you personally react to stress, however, the physiological ef- fects of stress are the same for all living creatures. What happens to your body when you experience stress?

* An increase in glycolysis in the muscles.

* An increase in glycolysis in the muscles.

* Increased muscular strength.

* Increased muscular strength.

* Increased mental activity. The overall effect of these responses is to let you perform far more strenuous physi- cal activity than would otherwise be possible. Why is this? Because if a stressful, threat- ening, situation is present, then you would probably need to flee from it or fight it. This is called the fight flight reaction because an animal in a physically stress-state decides almost instantly to stand and fight or to n and run.  Here’s an example of how extreme physical stress can activate the energy reserves of the body: In the national newspapers this week is an account of a 80-year-old grand- mother who had been on crutches continuously for the last two years. A fire broke out in her neighbor’s house and she heard the cries of a trapped child. Immediately she ran into the house and carried the child to freedom before she realized she had thrown her crutches aside. She then collapsed and had to be removed by ambulance. During a time of great crisis, or stress, her body responded so vigorously that she forgot she was an invalid.

* Increased mental activity.

The overall effect of these responses is to let you perform far more strenuous physi- cal activity than would otherwise be possible. Why is this? Because if a stressful, threat- ening, situation is present, then you would probably need to flee from it or fight it. This is called the fight flight reaction because an animal in a physically stress-state decides almost instantly to stand and fight or to n and run.   

 

Here’s an example of how extreme physical stress can activate the energy reserves of the body: In the national newspapers this week is an account of a 80-year-old grand- mother who had been on crutches continuously for the last two years. A fire broke out in her neighbor’s house and she heard the cries of a trapped child. Immediately she ran into the house and carried the child to freedom before she realized she had thrown her crutches aside. She then collapsed and had to be removed by ambulance. During a time of great crisis, or stress, her body responded so vigorously that she forgot she was an invalid.

So far, stress doesn’t seem to have that destructive an effect, and it doesn’t—if it is short-term, physical stress. When stress becomes prolonged and internalized, however, it has decidedly negative results upon the person’s health.

So far, stress doesn’t seem to have that destructive an effect, and it doesn’t—if it is short-term, physical stress. When stress becomes prolonged and internalized, however, it has decidedly negative results upon the person’s health.

64.2.4 What Is the Stress Reaction?

=== What Is the Stress Reaction? ===

 

It is amazing that almost any type of stress can cause the same reaction in the body. Scientists often refer to two kinds of stress: physical and neurogenic.

It is amazing that almost any type of stress can cause the same reaction in the body. Scientists often refer to two kinds of stress: physical and neurogenic.

The type of stress that can provoke this adrenal reaction is widely varied. Re- searchers have discovered, however, that the following situations are sufficiently “stress- ful” to spark a high ACTH release, which means the body becomes highly stimulated.

The type of stress that can provoke this adrenal reaction is widely varied. Re- searchers have discovered, however, that the following situations are sufficiently “stress- ful” to spark a high ACTH release, which means the body becomes highly stimulated.

64.2.5 The Types of Stress That Cause Physiological Reactions

== The Types of Stress That Cause Physiological Reactions ==

 

# Intense heat or cold.

# Intense heat or cold.

# Injections of any sort.

# Injections of any sort.

# Pain.

# Pain.

# Any debilitating body crisis.

# Any debilitating body crisis.

# Emotional outbursts or anxiety attacks. It seems as if stress is all around us, and its sustained effects can wear us down and make us vulnerable to negative thoughts and poor living habits. But there is hope.  The Life Science program, which is based entirely upon our natural adaptations, pro- vides the correct basis for living that allows us to withstand stress far better than if we transgress our own biological requirements and nature.  The Life Science approach to stress management, even long-term and emotional stress, is three-fold: Exercise, Diet, and Relaxation. These are three of the essentials of health and well-being. Let’s see how they help us overcome stress in our daily life.

# Emotional outbursts or anxiety attacks.

 

It seems as if stress is all around us, and its sustained effects can wear us down and make us vulnerable to negative thoughts and poor living habits. But there is hope.  The Life Science program, which is based entirely upon our natural adaptations, pro- vides the correct basis for living that allows us to withstand stress far better than if we transgress our own biological requirements and nature.  The Life Science approach to stress management, even long-term and emotional stress, is three-fold: Exercise, Diet, and Relaxation. These are three of the essentials of health and well-being. Let’s see how they help us overcome stress in our daily life.

 

 

 

 

64.3.1 Sweating Away Stress: Exercise!

== The Life Science Stress-Management Program ==

Exercise is your best friend in combating stress. The value of exercise as a stress reducer is well documented by many researchers. Why should exercise, which is a vig- orous activity, have the power to relax us and eliminate stress? The answer is this:

Exercise is your best friend in combating stress. The value of exercise as a stress reducer is well documented by many researchers. Why should exercise, which is a vig- orous activity, have the power to relax us and eliminate stress? The answer is this:

The evidence is in: to reduce stress, you must exercise.

The evidence is in: to reduce stress, you must exercise.

64.3.2 Stress Management Through Diet

=== Stress Management Through Diet ===

 

“Sure, I use diet to take care of stress. When I get tense, I just stuff my face!” The young man laughed, but his overweight figure showed the truth behind his joking.

“Sure, I use diet to take care of stress. When I get tense, I just stuff my face!” The young man laughed, but his overweight figure showed the truth behind his joking.

Diet and nutrition play an important role in stress management. By simply avoiding destructive foods and following a wholesome diet, you can withstand normal stressful situations in a cheerful and optimistic fashion. A junk food diet, on the other hand, can make us crumble under the slightest bit of tension. Why is this?

Diet and nutrition play an important role in stress management. By simply avoiding destructive foods and following a wholesome diet, you can withstand normal stressful situations in a cheerful and optimistic fashion. A junk food diet, on the other hand, can make us crumble under the slightest bit of tension. Why is this?

64.3.3 How Diet Affects the Stress Response

=== How Diet Affects the Stress Response ===

 

A strong and healthy nervous system is our first defense line against stress. Good nerves and a steady disposition allow you to shake away stress and handle tension ef- fectively. Although many factors ensure a healthy nervous system, most nutritionists be- lieve that B vitamins play the vital role in good nerve health.

A strong and healthy nervous system is our first defense line against stress. Good nerves and a steady disposition allow you to shake away stress and handle tension ef- fectively. Although many factors ensure a healthy nervous system, most nutritionists be- lieve that B vitamins play the vital role in good nerve health.

The wholesome Life Science diet provides all the nutrients we need to build body and mind that can cope with stress. No foods are included which disrupt the body’s bal- ance or deplete the vital nutrients that we need to withstand stress. A proper diet, cou- pled with exercise can be your best partner in stress management. But there is another important factor in effective stress mangement, and that is: relaxation.

The wholesome Life Science diet provides all the nutrients we need to build body and mind that can cope with stress. No foods are included which disrupt the body’s bal- ance or deplete the vital nutrients that we need to withstand stress. A proper diet, cou- pled with exercise can be your best partner in stress management. But there is another important factor in effective stress mangement, and that is: relaxation.

64.3.4 Relaxation

=== Relaxation ===

 

Rest, sleep, relaxation, poise, equanimity—whatever want to call it—is absolutely essential to the continued health of the organism. In fact, the opposite of stress is recre- ation. Every muscle, cell, and portion of the body is in a continually alternating state of stress and relaxation. s long as we alternate periods of stress with periods of relaxation, then all is fine. At times, however, stress gets upper hand and relaxation—true and total rest—never occurs, even while asleep.

Rest, sleep, relaxation, poise, equanimity—whatever want to call it—is absolutely essential to the continued health of the organism. In fact, the opposite of stress is recre- ation. Every muscle, cell, and portion of the body is in a continually alternating state of stress and relaxation. s long as we alternate periods of stress with periods of relaxation, then all is fine. At times, however, stress gets upper hand and relaxation—true and total rest—never occurs, even while asleep.

As far as stress reduction goes, it makes absolutely no difference which relaxation method you use. The important thing is that the relaxation be total: both body and mind must be free from tension and stress.

As far as stress reduction goes, it makes absolutely no difference which relaxation method you use. The important thing is that the relaxation be total: both body and mind must be free from tension and stress.

64.3.5 Relaxing the Mind

=== Relaxing the Mind ===

 

Much stress and tension is in the mind, but as we saw, that does not make it any less “real.” The mind can also be relaxed in a manner similar to the body. First of all, the mind must be used constructively—“exercised” if you will. Mental laziness breeds anx- iety and a lack of self-worth. These feelings lead to stress.

Much stress and tension is in the mind, but as we saw, that does not make it any less “real.” The mind can also be relaxed in a manner similar to the body. First of all, the mind must be used constructively—“exercised” if you will. Mental laziness breeds anx- iety and a lack of self-worth. These feelings lead to stress.

Simply relaxing and “doing nothing” may be very hard at first, but if you give your- self the scheduled time to do it every day, you will eventually look forward eagerly to your “relaxation period.”

Simply relaxing and “doing nothing” may be very hard at first, but if you give your- self the scheduled time to do it every day, you will eventually look forward eagerly to your “relaxation period.”

64.3.6 A Case History

=== A Case History ===

 

The man before me should have been at the prime of his life. Forty-five years old, the man had started his own computer company three years ago and was now earning over a hundred thousand dollars a year. Yet he looked distinctly unhappy.

The man before me should have been at the prime of his life. Forty-five years old, the man had started his own computer company three years ago and was now earning over a hundred thousand dollars a year. Yet he looked distinctly unhappy.

around. The Life Science approach to stress management is simple. Only a small amount of commitment and personal effort is required. And the reward? The greatest of all—a stress-free, healthy, happy, and productive life.

around. The Life Science approach to stress management is simple. Only a small amount of commitment and personal effort is required. And the reward? The greatest of all—a stress-free, healthy, happy, and productive life.

64.4. Questions & Answers

== Questions & Answers ==

 

'''What are the early warning signs of stress?'''

What are the early warning signs of stress?

Irritability and fatigue. If you continually feel tired or short-tempered, then you are experiencing stress. If small annoyances make you angry, or if you become up- set for no apparent reason, then you are experiencing stress. In other words, if you even suspect you are under stress, then you most certainly probably are. Stress can “sneak” up on you. Often, people brush aside the early warning signs of stress and continue to push themselves on. Finally, the demands made by stressful situations become so great that the body becomes ill at ease, or “diseased.”

Irritability and fatigue. If you continually feel tired or short-tempered, then you are experiencing stress. If small annoyances make you angry, or if you become up- set for no apparent reason, then you are experiencing stress. In other words, if you even suspect you are under stress, then you most certainly probably are. Stress can “sneak” up on you. Often, people brush aside the early warning signs of stress and continue to push themselves on. Finally, the demands made by stressful situations become so great that the body becomes ill at ease, or “diseased.”

The final outcome of stress is a breakdown of the healthy functioning of the body. Be very sensitive to emotional changes and your reactions to your job, fam- ily, and surroundings. These types of things can warn us when the stress load is becoming too great.

The final outcome of stress is a breakdown of the healthy functioning of the body. Be very sensitive to emotional changes and your reactions to your job, fam- ily, and surroundings. These types of things can warn us when the stress load is becoming too great.

Can we “eat” stress away? I mean, is a good diet the main thing you need to avoid stress?

'''Can we “eat” stress away? I mean, is a good diet the main thing you need to avoid stress?'''

Unless you are following a good diet and a regular exercise regimen and a satis- fying relaxation program, then you will be adversely affected by stress. Without an excellent diet, however, all the exercise and relaxation in the world will not over- come stress. Until you are well-established on the optimum Life Science diet, then at least make sure that none of the “stress-promoting” foods, such as junk foods, white sugar, white flour, alcohol, and caffeine, are forever eliminated.

Unless you are following a good diet and a regular exercise regimen and a satis- fying relaxation program, then you will be adversely affected by stress. Without an excellent diet, however, all the exercise and relaxation in the world will not over- come stress. Until you are well-established on the optimum Life Science diet, then at least make sure that none of the “stress-promoting” foods, such as junk foods, white sugar, white flour, alcohol, and caffeine, are forever eliminated.

You cannot, however, “eat” away stress, “run” away stress, or “sleep away stress. You must combine all three, along with a positive and cheerful mental out- look, to curtail the harmful effects of stress.

You cannot, however, “eat” away stress, “run” away stress, or “sleep away stress. You must combine all three, along with a positive and cheerful mental out- look, to curtail the harmful effects of stress.

Stress can often come about because of changes in your lifestyle—like getting a new job, moving, becoming married, death of a spouse, and so on. In light of this, wouldn’t it be ill-advised for a person suffering from stress to make the types of changes in diet and exercise as you propose?

'''Stress can often come about because of changes in your lifestyle—like getting a new job, moving, becoming married, death of a spouse, and so on. In light of this, wouldn’t it be ill-advised for a person suffering from stress to make the types of changes in diet and exercise as you propose?'''

Most stress that comes from changes in our lifestyle comes about because these changes were made for us. In other words, stress usually arises because we perceive ourselves as “helpless” in face of these changes.

Most stress that comes from changes in our lifestyle comes about because these changes were made for us. In other words, stress usually arises because we perceive ourselves as “helpless” in face of these changes.

The best defense against stress is a healthy lifestyle and positive outlook on life. The requirements for effective stress management, are basically the same, as those for health and well-being: a sensible exercise program, wholesome and natural diet, and regular relaxation.

The best defense against stress is a healthy lifestyle and positive outlook on life. The requirements for effective stress management, are basically the same, as those for health and well-being: a sensible exercise program, wholesome and natural diet, and regular relaxation.

Article #1: Stress/Unstress by Ken Pelletier, Ph.D.

== Article #1: Stress/Unstress by Ken Pelletier, Ph.D. ==

 

No one can achieve optimum health so long as they allow stress to dominate their lives. Much of peoples’ physical sickness is a result of allowing the autonomic nervous system to get out of control.

No one can achieve optimum health so long as they allow stress to dominate their lives. Much of peoples’ physical sickness is a result of allowing the autonomic nervous system to get out of control.

If you drive yourself to do anything, you’re sunk. There must be a spark, an element of vitality, of discovery, that makes it really exciting. You’ve got to follow the little mes- sages from inside that tell you what’s right for you, no matter what any expert says.

If you drive yourself to do anything, you’re sunk. There must be a spark, an element of vitality, of discovery, that makes it really exciting. You’ve got to follow the little mes- sages from inside that tell you what’s right for you, no matter what any expert says.

Article #2: In Search Of Emotional Well-Being

== Article #2: In Search Of Emotional Well-Being ==

 

Mental and emotional well-being is conditioned by far more influences and factors than physical well-being. While physical well-being arises from meeting the physical needs of the body correctly, this is not always enough to assure mental and emotional serenity.

Mental and emotional well-being is conditioned by far more influences and factors than physical well-being. While physical well-being arises from meeting the physical needs of the body correctly, this is not always enough to assure mental and emotional serenity.

In ascertaining the conditions necessary in achieving mental well-being, we must consider more than the requisites of physical health. We must take into account those el- ements in our ecosystem that promote mental and emotional health and, likewise, those factors and influences which undermine it.

In ascertaining the conditions necessary in achieving mental well-being, we must consider more than the requisites of physical health. We must take into account those el- ements in our ecosystem that promote mental and emotional health and, likewise, those factors and influences which undermine it.

There are many who assure us that we are responsible for how we feel and act, that we are the architects of our feelings and moods. We can control the factors that affect

There are many who assure us that we are responsible for how we feel and act, that we are the architects of our feelings and moods. We can control the factors that affect us or at least so rationalize our attitudes in response to external factors that we are not adversely affected.

 

us or at least so rationalize our attitudes in response to external factors that we are not adversely affected.

Those who are under emotional control are said to be poised: calm, cool, and col- lected. They respond rationally.

Those who are under emotional control are said to be poised: calm, cool, and col- lected. They respond rationally.

Whatever the causes of depression, all are within the province of our control. We can take several steps to fulfill most of the requirements necessary to live a joyous life.

Whatever the causes of depression, all are within the province of our control. We can take several steps to fulfill most of the requirements necessary to live a joyous life.

Some significant areas in which we can exercise control of our emotional and mental well-being are:

'''Some significant areas in which we can exercise control of our emotional and mental well-being are:'''

1. Our health regime. We can adopt and closely observe our biological requirements. Though we may be subject to many of the stresses modern society imposes upon us, we will fare far better if the basics of life are correct. The Life Science/Natural Hygiene pro- gram is scientifically correct, for it is based squarely upon our natural adaptations. It is within our province to decide to live healthfully and to pursue it diligently.

1. Our health regime. We can adopt and closely observe our biological requirements. Though we may be subject to many of the stresses modern society imposes upon us, we will fare far better if the basics of life are correct. The Life Science/Natural Hygiene pro- gram is scientifically correct, for it is based squarely upon our natural adaptations. It is within our province to decide to live healthfully and to pursue it diligently.