As time progresses forward, so does our "Stress"! Part 1

What are the missing pieces to the puzzle of our emotions and mind?

Stress is a normal part of life . . . even positive life changes such as a promotion, a new home or the birth of a child can cause some levels of stress.

But what causes the body to become anxiety ridden, depressed and confused in times such as this?

Well, that would be "stress overload". Pressures that are "too intense" or "last too long". It may even be troubles that are "shouldered alone".

So as we know, stress is the body's reaction to any change that requires an "adjustment" or "response". Okay . . . well that's us in a nutshell right now. The body reacts to these changes with physical, mental and emotional responses.

So how do we control or change stress and stress overload? They tell us to exercise on a regular basis, do deep breathing, try to relax your muscles, make time for hobbies and eat healthy.

But is that enough and does that really work? Absolutely, but only temporarily. If you don't correct the real reason the mechanics of the human body allows stress to manifest in the first place . . . stress will return.

So what are the missing pieces to the puzzle of our mind?

In a stressful situation . . . mechanically, when we perceive something as stressful like what we are going through today, this perception or feeling sets off the usual frantic communication between the hypothalamus (which is a region of the brain linked to the nervous system) and the activity of the pituitary gland (which is a gland at the base of the skull). This is where the control of our body temperature, thirst, hunger, sleep and "emotional activity" all come into play.

This messaging system manufactures and releases hormones like dopamine, epinephrine (also known as adrenaline), norepinephrine and especially the hormone called "Cortisol" better known as the "Stress" hormone or the "Belly Fat Producer".

When "Cortisol" levels are high . . . it can cau