May 01, 2009
I'm Candi, with Inner Health Studio.
I'm pleased to welcome you to edition 7 of Inner Health Studio Relaxation Tips.
Have you been trying to find an explanation for physical symptoms only to be told that nothing is physically wrong? Could it be stress?
In this issue...
1. Inner Health Studio Updates and News
2. Tip of the Month: Could it be Stress?
3. New Relaxation Scripts
4. Contact information and Archives
1. Inner Health Studio Updates and News
Inner Health Studio has a NEW Members Only area. Create your own login ID and password and your own profile.Participate in our new Member Forums, the place to discuss stress, anxiety, and relaxation, and to make requests for innerhealthstudio.com, relaxation scripts, and podcasts.
In the forums you can give and receive support and ideas. I look forward to seeing you as a member!
2. Tip of the Month: Could it be Stress?
Have you been trying to find an explanation for physical symptoms only to be told that nothing is physically wrong? It can be frustrating - and frightening - when something is not right, but no answers are found.Often, we blame an ambiguous concept called "stress." Is it actually possible that this mysterious "stress" can cause anything from heart palpitations, to chronic pain, to memory problems, to numb hands?
Well... yes.
Does this mean that my illness is "all in my head?"
NO.
Not all of these (or other) symptoms are necessarily caused by stress. If symptoms are caused by stress, it is a real, physical condition.
Stress exacerbates existing conditions and takes advantage of our vulnerabilities - the body's weakest links. Have you ever noticed that you get colds more often following a stressful time? This does not mean that stress caused the cold (a bacteria or virus did), but stress could have weakened the immune system enough for the cold to begin.
Stress is a real physical response (please see the link below for more details). It is NOT in your head. Most likely, you are not making yourself sick on purpose.
But my tests were all normal.
Tests are looking for a physical abnormality that can be causing symptoms (for example, if you experience stomach pain, the doctor might test to see if an ulcer or other disease is the cause). Stress is NORMAL, not an abnormality (even though the symptoms of stress are not normal) so does not show up on tests.
In other words, Stress is the normal fight-or-flight response, a helpful response that can save your life in a dangerous situation. Chronic stress causes problematic symptoms that are not normal - but "stress" is not going to show up definitively on a physical test.
So I have decided that stress might be contributing to my illness. Now what?
I want to hear YOUR answers. I invite you to go to the forums with your responses.
What are your symptoms? They may be physical, emotional, or other types of symptoms. Please find the post entitled "What are your symptoms?" under the Stress heading in the forums.
Please see this link for more information about causes of stress, symptoms of stress, and what to do about it:
http://www.innerhealthstudio.com/stress-management-exercises.html
3. New Relaxation Scripts
The following relaxation scripts have recently been added to InnerHealthStudio.com:
A Relaxing Walk
http://www.innerhealthstudio.com/relaxing-walk.html
This relaxation script will guide you to take a relaxing walk - not just in your mind, but actually physically walking to relax. In this script, I will describe going outside for a walk, but you may walk indoors our outdoors.
Relaxation for Coping with Panic
http://www.innerhealthstudio.com/coping-with-panic.html
This relaxation for coping with panic script can help you to manage the symptoms experienced during a panic attack, and return to a state of calm.
Breathing Awareness
http://www.innerhealthstudio.com/breathing-awareness.html
This breathing awareness relaxation script will guide you to focus on each stage of a breath as you breathe slowly and gently.
Quick Progressive Muscle Relaxation Script: Key Areas
http://www.innerhealthstudio.com/quick-progressive-muscle-relaxation.html
This is a quick progressive muscle relaxation script that will allow you to focus on key areas where stress can build up. Relax these areas as you go about your daily activities to prevent stress.
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