Stress is a reaction to a stimulus that disturbs our physical or mental equilibrium. Given this definition, it seems that in the modern world most components of our life are stressors. Some stress (acute stress) is positive and actually strengthens the body, it can be exciting, and it keeps us on our toes. But stress that persists for a long period of time (chronic stress) it wears our resources down and can become detrimental to our health.
Chronic stress can produce a condition called distress which can lead to headaches, upset stomach, elevated blood pressure, chest pain, and problems sleeping and can make other diseases worse. Stress is epidemic in that United States. It has been found that over two thirds of Americans experienced symptoms of stress such as fatigue, irritability or anger, or changes in sleeping habits. Forty-three percent of all adults suffer adverse health effects from stress. 75% to 90% of all doctor’s office visits are for stress-related ailments and complaints.
Clearly, stress is a major problem. Stress is not always under our control as it originates most often from external sources. Since in modern American life stress appears to be unavoidable, it is important to identify treatments to mitigate or prevent the symptoms of stress.
In today’s Research News article “Physical Activity, Mindfulness Meditation, or Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback for Stress Reduction: A Randomized Controlled Trial.”
van der Zwan and associates demonstrate that meditation, physical exercise, and biofeedback are equally effective in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, and improve sleep quality and psychological well-being.
These findings are noteworthy as it is important to be able to have a variety of treatment options. The patient then can choose a treatment that seems best suited to themselves and their life style and life conditions. It is significant, though, that van der Zwan and colleagues found that most participants preferred mindfulness meditation (52 %, compared to 24 % for both physical exercise, and biofeedback). Hence mindfulness meditation is the option preferred by most patients.
A good reason for the popularity of meditation may be that meditation is restful, relaxing, and pleasant and does not require specific equipment or visit to a specialist’s clinic or a gym. It also is known to improve happiness, creativity, relationship quality, and even help ward off infection. It reduces the physiological changes induced by stress by reducing sympathetic activation and the levels of stress hormones. Furthermore, it helps us to better understand ourselves and others and improves our ability to control our lives. It would seem to be an ideal for stress management.
So, practice mindful meditation and destress.
CMCS
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