STRESS - IT HAPPENS TO ALL OF US AND NONE OF US REALLY ENJOY IT.
what is stress?
Stress looks different for different people and different situations. Some stressors may be physical and others may be mental. The responses to stress can even differ between people. For example, a fractured bone which is a physiological stressor can and will be a stressor on the body, but preparing for an upcoming exam, which is a psychological stressor, is a stress on the mind. Both of these stressors release hormones into the body that cause a widespread inflammatory response. This hormone is called Cortisol.
Cortisol release responses releases small, signaling proteins throughout the body known as cytokines. Cytokines interact with cells in the immune system to regulate your body’s response to disease and infection. Which means, long-term exposure to stress can cause the immune system to be compromised.
In a 2016 study (Shields et al.) conducted by UC Davis researcher Grant Shields, female subjects were studied by placing one group under emotional stress and another under no stress and measured key pro-inflammatory cytokines in their saliva before and after the study. As predicted, the more emotionally controlled had less pro-inflammatory cytokine response to the stressors – indicating that better cognitive control following an emotional stressor is associated with less pro-inflammatory cytokines. In addition to increased level of cytokines, stress also kills off lymphocytes, which are the body's natural killer cells that hep the body fight off unwanted and dangerous diseases and sickness.
The findings of this study may aid in the explanation to why a positive mindset positively correlates with better health and immunity. Mindset is a crucial component of our holistic approach to health and well-being, especially here at A11 Performance. For optimal performance in life we have to emphasize the importance of engaging in spiritual practice, meditation or slowing down. This releases the stress from our bodies and aids in recovery and maximum focus. When you allow psychological stressors to fester and overwhelm you, there can be an inflammatory response that affects both your body and your immune response.
WAYS TO COMBAT STRESSORS FOR A STRONGER IMMUNE SYSTEM
Take time to engage in spiritual practice, aka - Talking to God.
Meditate
Breathing techniques and exercises (Check out Whoop's new Breathing Exercises on the Whoop App)
Smile
Positive self talk
Positive coping mechanisms and outlets
“Mental toughness is centered on doing the best you can in the present while believing you can do even better in the future.”
- Tom Brady
