Understanding Stress The Mind Body Connection. Stress and Heart Disease When stress is left unmanaged, it can lead to psychological and physical problems.

Stress and Heart Disease

Common Stressors

Stress itself is a contributing factor in Heart Disease

What Stress Hormones do to raise our risk of Heart Disease

Constrict our blood vessels Increasing Blood pressure and Heart rate.

Increase the amount of circulating fats and cholesterol.

Increase in storage of fat.Increases blood sugar levels.Increases water retention.Decreases clotting time, by increasing the

number of circulating platelets.Can cause an erratic heartbeat.

More Negative Effects of StressIncreases our risk of Type II Diabetes.Slows wound healing.Depresses our immune system.Exacerbates cases of asthma, Chron’s Disease,

Ulcers, skin conditions such as psoriasis, flare ups of shingles.

Affects the digestive system-nausea, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation, & heartburn.

Impairs our memory and ability to learn new things.

Increases our chances of having problems with depression and anxiety.

Chronic headaches, neck-shoulder-back pain due to chronic muscle tension.

Different Forms of StressVarying types of People

We cannot Run from Stress………..So……

Whenever possible decrease the demands placed on you and your time.

And increase your use of coping strategies, to keep life in balance:Exercise (All forms, including yoga, tai chi, etc.)HobbiesSocial support (Friends and Family are very

important)Relaxation strategies/techniques (Deep breathing,

listening to music, meditation, guided imagery, etc.)Learn to say NO!!!!

Somehow we must develop faith And trust in our selfAnything the mind can conceiveAnd believe, the mind can “achieve.”

The thought manifests as the word. The word manifests as the deed. The deed develops into habit.And the habit hardens into character.

So watch the thought and its ways with care!

From a Course in Miracles