Stress Response

Be mindful of the many ways stress impacts your body. Stress tends to elevate your flight or fight response at first sight of any perceived threat in order to keep you safe and well. You may experience an elevated heart rate, muscle tension, shallow breathing, headaches, or a tight chest. All of these things are your body’s way of telling you that there is some sort of threat in your environment. Your body is very intuitive—so pay attention!

There are quite a few things you can do when you find this response system elevated. You can try deep breathing, a body scan, guided mindfulness or meditation, or a grounding exercise to reduce these symptoms. Exercise and spending time outside can be helpful as well.

Be well.