It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the ones most responsive to change.
– Charles Darwin
The word stress is so widely used now that it’s easy to forget it’s actual meaning, wich is ‘The force exerted by one thing on another’.
- This can be physical such as exercise, food, or chemicals
- This can be emotional such as excitement, anger, or frustration
We use the word in such anegative connotation that we forget what a necessary force that it is. When we exercise we ‘stress’ our bodies so that they repair themselves stronger for next time. that’s why we are able to build endurance with the constant repetition of stress and rest.
Rest is something that is often forgotten in the equation. Stress + rest = strength and endurance.
Stress without rest equals breakdown.
Our adrenal glands produce hormones that aid us in the stress response. They are designed to keep us going when we need to. We are able to stay awake longer, need less food, and produce greater strength. When we don’t take the time to rest, our bodies try to spit out the hormones but the glands just can’t keep up.
Then we feel tired, hungry, irritable, and sore. Our bodies can’t keep up with our demands.
This is when illness and disease strikes. Our bodies are weak and sucesptible to invasion and destruction.
Stress management by this time is more than just rest (unless youhave all the time in the world to give yourself to heal). Most of us need chemical support in the form of food, herbs, and supplements in addition to the lifestyle changes necessary.
Once our bodies are healed, we can maintain the health through the cycle of stress and rest. By incorportatng short breaks throughout the day and week, we can perform in our lives with optimal capacity.
To get started with Naturopathic Medicine book your assessment here or call 705-792-6717
Interested but not sure? Meet one of our naturopathic doctors and have your questions answered by booking your free 15 min introduction here or by calling 705-792-6717