Stress

Stress Management

Stress is not our natural state. Not all stress is bad, and some may even be necessary. When stress is overwhelming, however, it becomes a problem. Stress wreaks havoc in the body by producing a chemical cascade that is designed for serious, life-threatening, “fight or flight” situations (such as escaping from a lion), but not for daily life.

To prevent damage to the body from stress, it is important to take charge and become active in dealing with stress, by restoring balance, and finding the peace, bliss, and joy that is our innate nature and source of well-being.

Causes of Stress

Stress is generated by anything that provokes the stress response, which stimulates the release of the hormones adrenalin and noradrenalin from the adrenal glands. Sources of stress can be external or internal:

External: today’s fast-paced lifestyle, noise, pollution, work pressure, deadlines, the pressure to succeed, poor relationships with the boss, partner, or children; lack of sleep, financial worries, feeling a lack of control in one’s life

Internal: unresolved emotional conflicts and unexpressed emotions, such as grief and sadness, hurt and pain, fear and anxiety, and anger and rage; or holding internal dogmatic beliefs (“musts” and “shoulds”); unrealistic expectations

Symptoms of Stress 

• Lack of concentration
• Inability to listen attentively and deeply
• Irritable; snapping at people
• Constantly tired and drained, even after a night’s sleep
• Insomnia
• Lack of creativity and no joie de vivre
• Loss of sex drive
• Migraines
• Knots in the stomach, even irritable bowel syndrome
• Temptation to overeat, smoke, drink alcohol, or use recreational drugs to calm down
• Weight gain, particularly around the waistline

Prolonged or sudden and intense stress can raise the levels of the stress hormones cortisol and adrenalin for long periods. With this type of stress, there is a risk of impairing normal body functions and harming health.

The IMI Approach

Naturopathy

IMI’s naturopaths can recommend and prescribe specific herbal remedies, vitamins, and minerals that will support a patient dealing with the anxiety, insomnia, low energy levels, and exhaustion that comes from acute or ongoing stress.

Counselling

Talking with a professional counsellor or psychotherapist can help the patient identify unresolved conflicts, remove negative beliefs, release unexpressed emotions (anger, resentment, fear, grief, etc.), and identify specific stress “triggers.” The counsellor can also administer a strengths inventory, such as the VIA Character Strengths Profile, that helps the patient discover his or her innate resources that can be used to help the address issues that are the source of stress.

Lifestyle Recommendations

To support naturopathic and counselling therapies, IMI practitioners will also often recommend the that patient adopt stress-reducing lifestyle practices, such as:

• Breathing and mindfulness techniques
• Developing a mindset of acceptance and gratitude
• Distinguishing the differences between rest, relaxation, and recreation
• Reconnecting with the highest aspirations for self and well-being
• Learning Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR)
• Listening to technical music designed to balance and synchronize the brain
• Avoiding substances that create stress in the body: caffeine, alcohol, cigarettes, sugar, and all addictive drugs
• Eating to support the body: complex carbohydrates, whole grains, large amounts of fruit and dark leafy vegetables, almonds and other calcium and magnesium boosters, and, as a treat, quality dark chocolate
• Drinking herbal teas such as valerian, chamomile, and lime flower

Practitioners at IMI

Catriona Rogers, Counselling Psychologist

Tej BG, or Ardyce Yik, Naturopaths

< back to Health Conditions