Do you often find yourself burdened by the weight of chronic stress?
Chronic stress wreaks havoc on our nervous system, disturbing the delicate equilibrium between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. This imbalance often manifests in one of two ways: dominance of the sympathetic nervous system or that of the parasympathetic.
The "fight or flight" response is a well-known physiological reaction to stress, characterized by the body's surge of adrenaline and cortisol. Over time, chronic stress can trap the brain in this state, leading to anxiety, excessive stress, and panic attacks. Conversely, an overwhelmed nervous system might enter a state of shutdown, presenting symptoms such as dissociation, depression, obesity, fatigue, dizziness, and fainting.
Awareness marks the first step towards self-improvement. Recent scientific breakthroughs have shown that our brains are adaptable. Through awareness, mindfulness, and presence, it is possible to alter the thought patterns underpinning our distress.
Dr. Arielle Schwartz, a clinical psychologist, yoga teacher, EMDR specialist, and the author of "The Post-Traumatic Growth Guidebook," emphasizes that with sustained effort, we can achieve balance in our nervous systems. Despite the autonomic nervous system functioning independently of our conscious control, we can introduce mindfulness to regulate it.
Certain thought patterns, often established in early childhood, can signal a nervous system entrenched in a sympathetic state:
- Persistent worry about stressors or traumas
- Expecting the worst outcomes
- Insomnia and an inability to relax
- Irritability and anger
- Overwhelming feelings leading to uncontrollable crying
- Restlessness and jitteriness
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Constant vigilance and defensiveness
- Nightmares and flashbacks
- Hypersensitivity to social cues
- Physical manifestations such as sweating, heart palpitations, food cravings, respiratory issues, frequent illness, muscle tension, cognitive impairments, and dental issues
- Difficulty in managing blood sugar levels
Conversely, symptoms indicating parasympathetic nervous system dominance include:
- Chronic fatigue and lethargy
- Feelings of hopelessness and depression
- Emotional numbness
- A sense of powerlessness and low self-worth
- Dissociation and disorientation
- Dizziness and cognitive fog
- Digestive issues
- Autoimmune disorders
- Communication difficulties
Understanding these symptoms presents a pathway to rebalancing our nervous system and improving our overall well-being. Through recognition and proactive management of these stress responses, we can pave the way for a healthier, more balanced life.
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