Stress

Rene Decartes (1596-1650); French philosopher, mathematician and scientist. He was the one who said, “I think therefore I am.”

His writings affected many intellectuals in the 17^th century. However, his views drastically influenced Western medicine for 300 years. Called Cartesian, he stressed the disconnect between the mind and the body. In his view, neither affected the other. Medical schools advocated this theory for generations. Hans Selye M.D., disrupted this view. Oriental medicine always saw the connection. Younger doctors today no longer are Cartesian.

Norman Cousins Ph.D wrote “Anatomy of An Illness” in which he shared his views about attitudes affecting and laughter affecting body wellness.

He and others like Carl Simonton M.D. debunked Cartesianism. Simonton focused on the cancer prone personality. One trait was the internalizing of negative emotions. Among several other traits, another one was ignoring the affects of stress.

In my doctoral dissertation I gave a test to several practicing doctors asking them what percentage of their patients had no real illness-outside of genetic problems (heart, kidneys etc.) and broken bones? And, they would prefer telling them to go home and rest, and forego medication?

Why don’t they? Obviously because we patients don’t want to hear their suggestion. We want pills.

THEY SURPRISED ME WITH THE AVERAGE: 95%. PLEASE RE-READ MY QUESTION.

Since stress is endemic to we humans, what are some viable ways to manage stress? Since maladaptive measures are unacceptable, we should engage in acceptable activities.

Dr. Simonton recommended (insisted) that his clients “play” one hour per day. Everyone had to list 10 ways that didn’t cost $5.00 and then 10 ways that cost $10.00 or more.

Go for a walk, fix your favorite meal, read a book, a glass of wine while in the tub, make love, call a friend, write a letter, go swimming, go shopping (looking), watch a TV sit-com.

Psalm 126:2 states, “Then was my mouth filled with laughter, and our tongues with singing.” Norman Cousins advocated laughter as a stress reducer. One of the benefits, is that it strengthens the immune system. Laugh a little and live a lot.

Another way to relieve stress is by exercising. As with laughter, it releases endorphins in the brain. Strength exercises, flexibility exercise and cardio-vascular should all be included. A recent study of longevity indicates that those over 100 years of age, all engaged in some sort of exercise.

How about taking a nap-even a powernap of three minutes. Hippocrates (father of medicine) said for maximum health to eat right, get a massage everyday and take a nap after every meal. By the way, massage dissipates lactic acid (a by-product of exercise.)

Take care of a pet-a dog, a cat preferably. A fish or a bird seems too impersonal. Stories abound about dogs that become caretakers.

They love without prejudice. If you’re angry, stressed out or even ignore them. Just smile and pet them and they are yours. Being friendly with a dog is a great stress reducer.

There is another form of stress reduction that is vital. I am particularly fond of this one. It’s called “deep breathing” or “diaphragmatic breathing. This in contrast to “thoracic breathing.”

All musicians, especially singers breathe diaphragmatically. In doing so they maximize their lung capacity. Thoracic breathing draws the diaphragm muscle up into the lung area, diminishing air capacity a third.

Diaphragmatic breathing is pushing the stomach out as you breathe in, which in turn expands the lungs to their full capacity.

Air is changed to oxygen, which in turn feeds the blood and strengthens and relaxes the muscles. Practice diaphragmatic breathing while driving, walking or watching TV.

It is absolutely important that in managing stress we develop a belief system. Attitudes that will affect our tranquility initiates in our belief system. The Bible says, “As a person thinks, so is he.” (Proverbs 23:7) A follow up thought is another Scriptural suggestion. “They that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength.” (Isaiah 40:31) Other words to think about are:

1. You can alter your life by altering your attitudes (William James)

2. Believe in the capacity of your immune system (Simonton)

3. Negative emotions (anger, jealousy, unforgivness, etc) contribute to illness (Cousins)

4. Life is worth living. (Abersold)

5. Believe in the reversibility of negative diagnoses (Siegel)

6. Believe in the potential of lateral thinking (Di Bono)

7. Believe in the potential of your inner spiritual self. Go to church (Abersold)

Amen. Selah. So be it.

 

WORDS TO THINK ABOUT

G. W. Abersold Ph.D.