PJEndicott

It is estimated that within seconds of the brain detecting a potential danger it realeases a cocktail of chemicals into the blood stream. It is also believed that within one minute the levels of the hormone adrenaline increase one-thouseand fold. These chemical messengers, or hormones, released when we are suffering from Stress bring about rapid changes in our body including:

• An increase in the force with which the heart contracts increases to pump blood more effectively around the body.

• A rise in both blood pressure and pulse rate to ensure an adequate supply of blood where it is needed.

• Widening of the airways and increase in the breathing rate to allow more oxygenated air to reach the lungs.

• Pupils dilating to increase peripheral vision.

• Diverting blood away from the intestines where it will not be needed as digestion is put on hold until the danger has passed.

• An increase in the blood supply to the brain to allow for clear and quick thinking.

• An increase in the blood supply to the muscles and tension in the muscles to prepare them for physical exertion.

• Switching on of the sweat glands to cool the body during sudden exercise.

• The release of clotting agents into the blood stream to enable the blood to clot more easily if blood vessels are damaged, thus reducing blood loss from wounds.

• Emptying of the bowels (nervous diarrhoea) to make the body lighter for running. This may be accompanied by feelings of nausea and/or a dry mouth.

• An increase in blood sugar levels as the body’s stores are metabolised to provide energy, strength, power and speed.

The danger to our physical and mental health is brought about by stress that is unrelenting. Not only does stress affect out emotions leading to anxiety and depression, it also causes the body to secrete a cocktail of hormones which put the body into a state of high alert. With this reaction comes changes that can affect out physical wellbeing long after the cause of our stress has been resolved.