ROBERT G. HANSON TELLS US THERE IS JOY IN STRESS

Doctor Hanson studies Stress and theorizes that our bodies and minds are not built for today’s life. Our stress responses, in particular, were programmed for life in primitive times, thousands of years ago. And when, for instance, we are affected by overcrowding, or traffic or pollution and government red tape, often our systems cannot cope. Thus rises stress at intolerable levels. Our bodies react in ways that we cannot understand.

He suggests that there are at least 12 reactions to stress in today’s life. The responses are a rise in cortisone levels, thyroid changes, endorphin releases, sex hormones, digestive tract changes, sugar and insulin releases, cholesterol increases, racing heartbeat, air supply constrictions, blood pressure increases, skin reactions, and senses that are often confused. That is lot for anyone to experience, and yet we all have them as a result of stress from modern day life.

As a further explanation to some of the ones we know more about: Thyroid hormones original speeded up the body’s metabolism so that it burns its fuel faster and provides extra energy when needed. Release of endorphins which are the system’s “feel good hormones so that no matter what happens you feel OK maybe in spite of wounds. In today’s world we want too many endorphins in our bodies so that they are often temporarily depleted. Stress results.

Release of sugar into the blood along with an increase of insulin production provided a quick energy supply for emergencies. But today, with stress and other factors, a lack of insulin creates a bad situation where the sugars are excessive and we call this diabetes. Increases in cholesterol manufacture and release into the blood provided a long distance fuel for us. But now this extra cholesterol release, because of stress, can cause accumulation in the arteries and even cause blockage of the very arteries we need to carry blood to vital organs.

There is so much more we could talk about and Dr. Hanson relates all of these and more in his wonderful book: “The Joy of Stress”, but he also talks about how to turn these stress related problems into a happier life. He has found three simple principles to managing stress in your life. 1. Pamper yourself (within a budget) of course. He suggest a daily small reward for yourself just to lift you up. It can be a relaxation reward after a busy day, like a game of tennis or reading in a hot bath or even watching a movie at home or visiting with friends. They will all make a difference in chasing the stress away.

The second and third principles are Stop Stonewalling and Ignoring those uncontrollable excuses for daily stress and face the truth about only those things you yourself can control. Get rid of the rest of them.  There is so much more to Dr. Hanson’s story and you too can master and control your daily stresses. Remember, stress can kill you or at the least shorten your life. The extra effort you put into it should give you a better life.