Is Stress Making You Tired?

Today, more than ever, we are under a constant state of stress.

The price of all this stress, without rest and downtime, is the feeling of fatigue. Fatigue presents itself as either physical exhaustion were just too tired to move around - or mental exhaustion - which makes it hard for us to concentrate and focus on tasks at hand. Overall, we feel rundown and exhausted.

When we are stressed, it means our body is in the flight or fight response. This is a primitive response that helped us survive in times of danger. It was only meant to last long enough to get us out of a dangerous situation. But, constant demands in our life keep us in the stress response with little time for unwinding.

When in the stress response, our adrenal system releases adrenaline, cortisol and cortisone into the body. All secondary functions of the body such as digestion and metabolism are put on hold. Sustained levels of cortisol in our body can start to destroy muscle tissue & bone, as cortisol converts protein into energy. Also, cell regeneration is slowed down; digestion and metabolism processes are impaired, and the immune system is weakened.

When are feeling stressed for extended periods of time, we may feel exhausted during the day, but may get a second wind at night. It may be easy to fall asleep, but we then find ourselves awake in the middle of the night with our mind racing!

All of this is extremely taxing to our bodies. Without time to rest, we just keep wearing down our body without sufficiently building it up to get us through the next round.

Quality of sleep is one of the most important factors in reverting the affects of fatigue, but unless we learn how to better manage stressors in our life, getting a good nights sleep may allude us.

Here are some ways we can get our body out of the stress response and wake up feeling well-rested and ready to start the day.

Exercise: This is a great way to burn off the excess adrenaline, costisol and cortisone in our system. Exercise allows us to engage in the flight part of the stress response.

Rest: Our bodies need time to unwind. It is important to rest, but know that too much inactivity will decrease our energy levels.

Diet: Eliminate or reduce the stimulating affects of sugar, caffeine and alcohol. Add a good quality multi-vitamin daily to help meet nutritional needs.

Creative Outlets: Engaging in a new hobby or craft is a great way to challenge our minds and give us a break from thinking about pressing issues. Besides, we NEED to have things that bring joy in our lives on a daily basis. And be sure to make time for them on a regular basis.

Meditation: Through meditation you can learn to control your breath in order to help your body relax. When in the stress response, our breath is very short and quick. Through deep breathing, you help calm your nervous system and bring down your heart rate.

Delegate: We cant be all things to everyone. Say no when you must and enlist family members to help out. Working as part of a team means everyone benefits.

Massage: This is a great way to relax your muscles and help your body rid itself of the toxic build-up from stress.

None of us will be free from stress. Stress is what forces us into action. If there wasnt the stress of a deadline, who knows when a project would be completed. When we learn to get ourselves out of the stress response quicker, we will begin to feel more energized and ready to enjoy our lives. A life that incorporates balance.

Sue Ann Penna is a massage therapist with over 12 years experience. She specializes in the treatment of chronic pain, injury and stress. Since 2001, she has been massage therapist for the NJ Nets Basketball Team. You can reach her at http://www.MassageBySueAnn.com

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