Your brain functions to prevent you from danger. As it becomes stressed, it releases the hormone cortisol to mobilize the body into action. Under conditions of fear and anxiety surrounding a perceived threat, it triggers a spike in the neurotransmitter/brain chemical norepinephrine to heighten awareness and arousal. Unfortunately, long periods of high arousal and mobilization can impair the circulatory system and brain function. Therefore, alleviate excess stress and anxiety by practicing various calming exercises.
Relaxing Hobbies
Allan Judd, Ph.D., of Brigham Young University, recommends the following activities to keep you both entertained and relaxed: creating and reviewing art, hiking through a park or nature trail, working on a garden, listening to soothing music, playing with a pet, taking a warm bath or using aromatherapy. Each activity offers to distract the mind from its current stresses and worries. As you begin to feel less stressed, your body will reduce its cortisol levels since you no longer need the extra energy to escape your stressors. Furthermore, without fear of more serious issues, such as the loss of a loved one or an illness, your body's norepinephrine levels will return to normal as well. Engage in relaxing hobbies as much as possible to stay active and productive without concentrating on the negative aspects of your life.
Meditation
Clinical psychologist, Joseph Carver, Ph.D, of Ohio University, says norepinephrine levels elevate in response to anxiety-ridden thoughts, whether real or imagined. For example, if you constantly envision yourself in danger, whether from germs, a car accident or catching a disease, you can damage your body by continuously elevating your heart rate and blood pressure in response to the perceived threat.
Meditation helps to relax the body and train the mind to focus on less destructive ideas. Almost anyone can attain improved health through meditation; simply make yourself comfortable, free yourself from any external distractions and concentrate on peace, well-being and the control of your breathing. A Psychology Today article says 10 million Americans practice a form of meditation to relieve themselves of excess anger and stress, two factors that accelerate cortisol production.
Change Your Thinking
In a September 2006 Psychology Today article, neuroscientist, Dr. Richard Davidson of the University of Wisconsin, advises those who are stressed out and anxious to de-identify with their emotions. That is, separate yourself from your feelings and acknowledge that you control them; they do not control you. When you achieve this way of thinking, you will be less charged with norepinephrine and cortisol the next time a potentially stressful event occurs. For instance, if you learn to not take a poor remark at work so seriously, your body will not collapse under the pressure and stress of criticism. Of course, it is easier said than done, but with practice and focus, you can achieve a lower level of norepinephrine and the stress hormone cortisol.
