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SUSAN J. WEINSTEIN, R.N.,B.S.,H.N.C.
Director, Women’s Health Education Department
 A large percentage of women understand the mind/body connection.
We prove the connection to ourselves almost every day by engaging
in a common activity–worrying! Worrying is a great mind/body
connection example as it applies to stress. When we have a
negative concern or thought in our mind, which becomes continuous
for a time (worrying), the body responds with a whole litany
of physical responses. Common examples are: tears; increased
heart rate and blood pressure; fuzzy thinking or anxiety;
increased muscle tension; stomach tension; headache, etc.
The anxious thoughts cause millions of cellular biochemical
reactions.
Numerous research studies demonstrate that chronic stress
(stress that is consistant and wears you down day after day),
is responsible for a whole host of stress-related illnesses.
Research has shown that chronic stress exacerbates two common
conditions, heart disease and stroke.
The good news is there are a number of lifestyle changes
that can help reduce chronic stress symptoms. I say symptoms
because, realistically, removing stress from your life doesn’t
happen that easily, but changing the way you respond to stress
can be managed.
Studies have shown that making the body stronger and healthier,
through regular exercise, good nutrition, proper rest, sunshine
and fresh air, all enhance your ability to respond more appropriately
to life’s stressors. In addition, incorporating a routine
relaxation technique and nurturing yourself daily will help
the coping aspects of stress management.
The mind/body balance is key during stressful times. There
are numerous relaxation techniques to consider adding into
your everyday life-meditation: yoga, humor, music therapy,
aromatherapy, guided imagery and selfhypnosis are just a few.
Finding a technique that works for you and one that becomes
a part of your every day life is essential.
Today’s modern woman has to juggle multiple roles.
Along with normal life stressors she is also coping with a
sinking economy and the constant fear of possible terrorist
attacks. For some there are additional stressors such as worrying
about their children’s
safety, crime-infested neighborhoods and pervasive poverty.
There is no doubt, stress is here to stay. It is synonymous
with life. Women need help managing the symptoms of stress.
We all need to learn to de-stress and enjoy the life we love
to live.
For more information on Mind/Body services offered throughout
the Saint Barnabas Health Care System, please call the Women’s
Health Education Department at (973) 322-5360.
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