Research Findings: Stress & Your Health
So deep down, you know it's time to trade stress, overwhelm, over-reactions, emotional exhaustion and physical fatigue for what you really need...SPACE to BREATHE...to slow down, unwind, self-care and re-connect with your Authentic Self.
Why? Because it's the right thing to do; without this essential change, the body gets stuck in a self-perpetuating loop of dysfunction. Would you leave your computer on all the time? Of course not, all systems need to shut down regularly, or risk eventual dysfunction.
But isn't sleep shutting down?
Well, in a word, no. If you are stressed (and bare in mind, you may not even know it), chances are your body is producing excessive amounts of the adrenal hormone, cortisol, even while you're sleeping!
Cortisol directly disturbs the circadian rhythm/sleep pattern, with a negative impact on cardiac function. Excessive cortisol is therefore, associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke (Azmi et.al. 2021. Int J Environ Res Public Health.18(2):676). The knock-on effects to all body systems induces inflammation and health conditions (take a moment to click the important link above and read for yourself), including excess belly fat.
Through my own experience and interaction with such conditions, I've come to understand that health is a shared responsibility; what affects you, affects me and everyone around us. Case-studies, test-subjects and the compelling evidence of my in-depth scientific research, all confirm what I suspected all along.
Physical fitness/exercise and in particular, the restorative effects of Pilates and/or Yoga, can increase core strength, overall alignment and health but three things are paramount:
1. STRESS is the number one precursor of physical, mental and emotional disease
2. All apparent & underlying issues, cannot & will not resolve if FAULTY BREATHING exists
3.The FASCIA/connective tissue, either helps or hinders ALIGNMENT and Health, being a self-preserving reservoir of all past EXPERIENCE, THINKING and FEELING.
In the best Pilates & Yoga studios, the foundation of mindfulness, i.e. concentration, is taught through the practice of integrated, controlled breathing and specific movement repertoire.
However, as my research confirms, lasting effects can only be achieved through daily personal practice, i.e. outside of the studio environment.
With 168 hours in a week, can you sense what I'm getting at? I share more of this on course and in The Seedpod Podcast.
People say, "but I don't know what to do!" To which I reply, "Yes, Pilates, Yoga and specific rehab exercises can help, but unless underlying 'issues' are identified and transformed, the old 'condition(ing)' returns, often in the guise of another symptom, reaction or restriction.
You see, without a toolkit of self-check and self-regulation strategies, and a daily self-practice, the body is left to its own devices, and before you know it, you're in the danger zone of STRESS RESPONSE, returning to your old pain pathways and holding patterns.
You know the place, where increased cortisol/hormone levels mess with body chemistry, producing impaired body system function, un-wellness:
- Foggy thinking/memory
- Anxiety/overwhelm
- Short-temperedness
- Restless sleep
- Heart palpitations
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Pain
- IBS
- UTIs
- Adrenal exhaustion
- Excess belly fat
- Extreme weight issues
- High blood sugar (diabetes)
- High or low blood pressure
Or any number of other physical, mental, emotional imbalances, and conditions.
The solution? I created a course for YOU! Breathing Meditation Essentials (BME) the #1 Online Meditation Course. Facilitates the essential, life-changing journey of de-stressing, healing and releasing your own pain and restrictions. Yes, YOU are the only one who can make this essential, lasting change. No one else can do this for you.
Are you ready for a better life?
Then take responsibility for your own health NOW.
You really are worth it you know!