Many aspects of the aging process are easy to grasp because we can feel significant changes happening in our bodies. We notice feeling tired in situations where we once felt energetic, see gray hairs and wrinkles, experience aches in our lower back or knees, and may need reading glasses, among other signs.
However, it’s not as easy to understand why our bodies might age faster than they were designed to. Factors like inadequate rest, nutrient deficiencies, and a lack of physical activity that maintains mobility, flexibility, balance, strength, muscle tone, adaptability, and speed all contribute to this accelerated decline.
We further hasten our aging by succumbing to the adverse effects of intoxicating foods and substances. Over time, these can have a toxic impact on our bodies.
At this point, it's clear that various forces act on our physiology as we age. Our lifestyle and dietary choices play a huge role in determining whether we maintain our strength and keep our bodies well•tuned throughout the aging process.
Now, let’s consider another crucial aspect of aging: stress and anxiety. Every emotion we feel manifests as a sensation in the body, even if it’s hard to describe. A thought prompts a chemical reaction, which causes a feeling that touches us, leading to more thoughts and feelings in a perpetual loop. This demonstrates how our chemistry, mind, and consciousness are interconnected. Unfortunately, negative thoughts and emotions often negatively impact our body’s chemistry, although there are exceptions.
Generally, stress and anxiety create tension in the body and trigger the release of hormones like cortisol. Cortisol is designed to help us handle immediate pain and danger, making us feel temporarily invincible. However, if these stress•related chemicals are constantly released, they can become toxic and harmful.
Here’s what you need to know:
When humans experience stress and adversity, the body releases a series of chemicals and hormones as part of the "fight•or•flight" response. These include:
- Cortisol: Increases glucose in the bloodstream, enhances brain function, and helps repair tissues while suppressing non•essential functions during stress.
- Adrenaline (Epinephrine): Increases heart rate, elevates blood pressure, and boosts energy for immediate physical reactions.
- Norepinephrine: Heightens alertness and focus, preparing the body for action and influencing blood flow.
- Glucose: Released by the liver to provide quick energy in response to stress.
- Endorphins: The body’s natural painkillers, released to numb discomfort during stressful situations.
Short-Term Roles of These Chemicals: These hormones prepare the body to handle immediate threats, increasing physical strength, speed, and alertness.
Long-Term Impacts of Chronic Stress: When these chemicals are released constantly due to chronic stress, they can have detrimental effects, including:
- Immune System Suppression: High cortisol levels weaken the immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections and diseases.
- Cardiovascular Problems: Chronic stress can lead to high blood pressure, increased heart attack risk, and other cardiovascular issues.
- Digestive Issues: Stress hormones can disrupt digestion, leading to conditions like acid reflux, ulcers, and IBS.
- Mental Health Decline: Prolonged exposure to stress hormones contributes to anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline.
- Muscle Tension: Chronic stress can cause constant muscle tension, leading to headaches, back pain, and other issues.
- Accelerated Cellular Aging: Chronic stress accelerates cellular aging and increases the risk of degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Deep Breathing and Stress Reduction: Deep breathing can help mitigate these effects by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which counteracts the fight-or-flight response:
- Neutralizing Stress Hormones: Deep breathing lowers cortisol, reducing the overall impact of stress on the body and restoring calm.
- Protecting Cells: Reducing stress hormones through deep breathing prevents oxidative damage, protecting cells from premature aging.
- Promoting Relaxation: Deep breathing increases oxygen supply to the brain, promotes relaxation, and helps release endorphins, reducing pain and improving well•being.
- Regulating Heart Rate and Blood Pressure: Deep breathing lowers heart rate and blood pressure, helping counteract the cardiovascular effects of stress.
The body’s response to stress involves releasing hormones and chemicals to prepare us for immediate action. However, chronic stress can have serious long•term impacts on health. Deep breathing is a simple yet effective way to neutralize these chemicals, reduce stress, and protect the body from the harmful effects of prolonged stress exposure.