Hypnotherapy - Brighton & Hove
Stress – how it worksStress has become a dirty word. In fact we need the right amount to achieve peak performance.
The fact is that without stress the human race would probably have become extinct. Stress is a natural, instinctive response to the demand put upon us.
Stress can motivate us to take action; either to perform well, or in a life or death emergency to take life saving action – the fight or flight response.
The level of stress affects our performance
The right level of stress has been shown to be not only essential for
peak performance, but actually improves immune function.
Short-term high levels of stress and stress connected to activities that
are challenging or new can actually be beneficial and improve immune function
and mental clarity.
See the performance
stress curve, which shows
how performance is affected as the level of stress changes.
Up to a certain point our performance improves with the amount of stress or arousal, but once over the peak of performance we experience distress.
At high levels of stress (distress) the body is preparing to fight or run away. Non-essential functions are shut down– blood flow is restricted to the skin and digestive system. More blood is pumped to the major muscles, blood pressure and heart rate increase to prepare for emergency action. The rational part of the brain is shut down and thinking becomes more ‘black and white’, so that rational thinking does not interfere with dealing with the danger.
High levels of stress are fine for a short period, but the effects of long-term stress can be unpleasant.
For help with reducing stress, contact me, Michael Lank, to make an appointment:
Telephone: 01273 479397
email: info@michaellank.co.uk
