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Stress and its Effect on the Body... Feeling Stressed?

National Institute of Health substances you need to grow, move, and stay Davidson’s research is shedding light sighing. Now he’s working to understand
(NIH) www.nih.gov healthy. on how mindfulness affects the brain to how breathing techniques affect the brain
improve mood. “Regular mindfulness to improve mood.
Kiecolt-Glaser’s research shows that practices can have an impact on specific
Ways to Improve Your Well-Being stressful events can cause the body to burn circuitry in the brain that we know to be Breathing techniques can be used to
Have you been feeling more stressed fewer calories at rest. Stress can also cause important in emotion regulation,” he help people who are depressed or
than usual? Many people are during these changes in mood and increase irritability explains. anxious. Controlled breathing may
challenging times. The COVID-19 with those around us. disrupt the brain circuits involved in
pandemic has many people feeling For those starting to practice depression, he explains.
overwhelmed. Ways to De-Stress mindfulness: One size is not likely to fit
Everyone feels stress sometimes. It’s a all. Davidson recommends starting There are many different breathing
natural response to a challenge or The first step is to recognize the signs that modestly with three to five minutes, a techniques you can try. Practicing a few
demand. Stress can come from the day-to- you’re stressed beyond a normal level. few times a day. That way you don’t get minutes a day can help you get started.
day pressures of work and family. Trouble sleeping can be one. Some people overwhelmed and stop. There are many
But stress is much more than just being get headaches or stomachaches. Stress can mindfulness apps available that teach “People who start up a breathing
busy, explains Dr. Janice Kiecolt-Glaser of also cause changes in appetite that lead you different techniques. practice may find that it reduces their
The Ohio State University, who studies the to gain or lose weight. stress and anxiety considerably,” he says.
effects of stress on the body. Once you know you need to reduce stress, Just Breathe If you want to try controlled breathing,
“It’s the feeling that you’re overloaded, there are practical steps you can try. Getting “belly breathing” is a simple form. Sit or
out of control, and unable to cope,” she regular exercise can be helpful. Doing an The simple act of controlled breathing lie down in a comfortable position. Place
says. activity you enjoy can also help with stress. can bring stress relief. one hand on your upper chest and the
Stress can also come from a sudden
negative change in your life like a divorce This can be anything—from dancing to “It’s well known that slow breathing other on your belly. Take a slow, deep
making art or getting out into nature or
breath in through your nose, taking air
or losing a job. Traumatic events like a having fun with friends. techniques have a positive effect on
major accident, assault, or natural disaster emotional state,” says Dr. Jack Feldman into your lower belly. The hand on your
stomach should rise, while the hand on
can cause severe stress. Making sure to get enough sleep is of UCLA, an expert on the neuroscience your chest remains still. Slowly exhale
It’s important for your health and well- important, too. “People are more sensitive to of breathing.
being to learn how to cope with stress. stress when they don’t have enough sleep,” His research has identified the brain through your mouth.
Researchers are working to understand says Kiecolt-Glaser. circuits responsible for breathing and
how stress affects health. They’re also
studying ways to relieve stress. These Staying socially connected is important,
techniques may help you to feel calmer too. Close personal relationships are key to FREE - 21 MEALS DELIVERED WEEKLY
and more relaxed. reducing stress. Reaching out to friends and
Stress and the Body family by phone, video chat, and email can
help you stay in touch even when you’re not “The Kevin Dobson Memorial those in their 21 member veterans
Stress isn’t always bad. It’s actually a able to see them in person. FoodToLife.org Program” was created organizations; TV and Radio Public Service
survival response. It helps you leap into in March 2020 in response to the Covid- Announcements began November 1st.
action in the face of a threat. Your heart “Make a conscious effort to reach out and 19 pandemic; it is sponsored by the We thank Not Born Yesterday! for being
rate speeds up, and you breathe faster as to maintain contact,” says Kiecolt-Glaser. Jewish War Veterans of the United the first newspaper to encourage and assist
you prepare to fight or run to safety. “Loneliness is really destructive.” States, Department of California; we can this worthy endeavor.

Short-term stress can even help you Eating regular, well-balanced meals and fulfill the needs of many more than we What Do We Do and Why? We deliver 21
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when stress lasts a long time, it may also Mindfulness Approaches delivered to those who are in need. challenged. We, and readers of NBY! News,
harm your health. Your body is constantly Among those partnering with us are: can change the lives of all who receive our
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Hunters Project, Veterans Holiday
promotes inflammation,” says Kiecolt- you’re doing can improve well-being.
Glaser. Celebration, Veterans Independence To enroll or to donate, please
Day Celebration, Village for Vets, visit FoodToLife.org or call (949) 215-9995.
One study showed that people spent
Inflammation is associated with many nearly half of their waking life not paying Vietnam Veterans of America, the US We will respond within 72 hours. CALL
diseases, including heart disease, cancer, attention to what they were doing, says Dr. Vets, LA National Cemetery Support TODAY.
arthritis, and some mental health Richard Davidson of the University of Foundation, and The DOV Synergy
conditions. Foundation. If you know of anyone that could benefit
Wisconsin-Madison, an expert on from this program, do not hesitate to
mindfulness. “And when they were not
Stress may also affect your On Oct 30, the California State contact Food for Life and submit their
metabolism—the chemical changes in the paying attention to what they’re doing, they Commanders Veterans Council contact information.
body that release energy and produce the were significantly less happy.” voted unanimously to fund and refer all

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