We’ve all heard of stress-related illnesses and the mind-body connection. But do you really know how and why it works the way it does? It goes like this –

There’s part of our brain called the Primitive Mind where the Fight/Flight (F/Fl) Response is located. The F/Fl enables us to do just that; stand and fight or run! The body goes through physical changes in an instant. The pupil dilates for keener vision and the hearing becomes more acute. The digestive system locks up so no energy is wasted. All the blood rushes to the center of the body so that if the arms and legs are wounded, you won’t bleed to death. The heart speeds up and adrenaline is pumped into the bloodstream for strength. You are ready to fight or run away from any saber toothed tiger you may encounter!

The problem today is that we have this F/Fl triggered often, yet there are no tigers to run from or fight. It’s not a good idea to beat up those around us, nor are we supposed to run away from our responsibilities. So, we end up having modern day “Fight” in mild or severe anxiety attacks. These can be brought on by a variety of scenarios, some as simple as waking up late on a busy day. Modern day “Flight” is experienced as depression. Not wanting to get up and face the world is our way of fleeing. You can just imagine what being stuck in these states will do to the body! All major organs and systems in the body are affected when stress becomes chronic.

Awareness is the key to calming down. The first thing to do when you become aware that you’re in F/Fl is to breathe! F/Fl locks up the diaphragm so your breathing becomes shallow. Big belly breaths will bring you back into a state of balance. Keep it slow and steady - don’t hyperventilate. Then come to your senses, literally. Notice what you are hearing, seeing, feeling, tasting, smelling... Stop the “non-sense” and calmly notice what is going on around you.

When we get caught up in “stress mode” we are not aware enough to sense the Life around us. The state of awareness slows us down and puts us into the present moment, where the guilt of the past and the worry of the future evaporate. There we can begin to control our thoughts and emotions and access our resources toward solutions.

Remember: become aware, breathe, tune in to Life – it’s good and good for you!

Janet teaches a “Help in Healing” class every Wednesday morning at 10am at Michelle’s Place, Women’s Breast Cancer Resource Center.