Have you ever noticed the "relaxation response?" You might walk into a gym "stressed out," anxious and tense.
However, you manage to exercise (or attend a group fitness class.
) An hour later, you feel relaxed and at ease.
You have experienced the "relaxation response.
" Of course, your problems remain the same.
Nothing has changed about that.
Yet you feel different about our situation.
It's as if the relaxation gives you a "second wind," or energy.
You might experience a release, or letting go of anxiety and fear.
You might even have a fresh perspective on your challenges, or a new way of looking at things.
Perhaps you've experienced the "relaxation response" after an exercise class, having lunch a friend, attending a church service, or listening to a relaxation cd.
What is it about these activities that calm us down? Amazingly, these activities trigger the "relaxation response.
" It may surprise you that relaxation begins and ends in the brain.
The brain controls the autonomic nervous system, which encompasses the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
When we are "stressed out" the fight-or-flight response is activated.
That is why we want to run away or fight back.
When we can't do this (or it's inappropriate), the stress chemicals stored in the body.
You might have a headache, backache, stiff joints, muscle pain, tightness in your chest, or simply feel worn out and exhausted.
When we exercise, relax deeply or engage in a calming activity, the parasympathetic nervous system is activated.
This is the "rest-and-digest" response.
Interestingly, the "rest-and-digest" response counteracts the stress response.
When we exercise, breathe deeply, stretch, talk or get things off our chest, something happens to us inside.
There is a physical change inside.
Scientists tell us that the relaxation response appears to be a workout for the vagus nerve.
Actually, the vagus nerve is a key player in the parasympathetic response.
The vagus nerve connects the medella in the brain to our most critical organs.
When the parasympathetic response is activated, our head becomes cool, the body relaxes, and energy is circulated throughout the body.
You're essentially lowering your stress by quieting the brain, and turning off the alarm.
This also activates the brain regions associated with happiness and well-being,as "feel-good" endorphins are released in the body.
It is very important that you take time to neutralize stress.
You can do this by activating the relaxation response.
Stress is not imaginary.
There are physical things are happening in the brain when you're stressed versus relaxed.
We can trigger this "relaxation response" by taking the time to exercise, listen to a relaxation cd, or spend time with family and friends.
Whatever it takes, find a way to let go, and activate your relaxation response.