We are searching for a comfort zone between our inner selves and the fast pace of today’s demands and technologies. Our voyage on this planet begins as a physical vessel that we fill with sights, sounds, tastes, smells and touch. These experiences are the self-talk that we fill our vessel with, and we base the remainder of our lives on our interpretations of the blending of this mixture.

Throughout our lifetimes we interact with thousands of people, places and things. Many times, we focus outside ourselves to discover the solutions to challenges. The truth of the matter is that the answers lie within us. The simple tools of understanding and forgiveness for ourselves may make the difference for reaching our goals of personal comfort and success.

We are our most valuable commodities, and we have the ability to choose to find our answers within. Stress management is able to combine practical knowledge, insight, and humor into an owner’s manual for life. People experience external and internal stresses which affect their physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.

External stressors include adverse physical conditions and stressful psychological environments. These conditions include pain, abusive relationships, poor working conditions, and financial stresses. Internal stressors can also be physical, including infections, inflammations or psychological problems.

Stressors can be identified as short term (acute) or long term (chronic). Acute stress is the reaction to an immediate threat, commonly known as the fight-or-flight response. The threat can be experienced in any situation, even subconsciously, as a danger. Common acute stressors include: noise, hunger, crowding, isolation, infection, danger, flashbacks, or technological effects. Under most circumstances the stress response becomes inactive once the acute threat has passed. The stress hormone levels return to normal, a condition called the relaxation response.

Chronic stress is reflected in ongoing stressful situations, including the following problems: relationships, work, health, finances, and history of trauma.

Stress affects every part of our body and soul on a daily basis. The interrelationship between health and emotion has become a specific scientific field that is being studied throughout the world.

Our minds and bodies perform at different levels of efficiency throughout the day as we cope with the demands of our modern lives. The fast pace of technology makes it difficult to find a balance and perspective for healthy living. We need to develop better skills and habits, to create our own space for relaxation and rejuvenation. Acupuncture and lifestyle counseling are excellent tools to create a personalized plan.

To learn more and schedule an appointment, please call 941-955-1220 or Email: doctorbrenda@me.com