The Link Between Psychoneurological Health and Overall Well-Being

Stress is a naturally occurring response that serves as an essential mechanism for survival. In situations, it is not harmful to us; in fact, it can be quite beneficial. Stress, in its essence, is a physiological reaction that prepares the body to respond to perceived threats or challenges. We have all experienced what is commonly referred to as the "fight or flight" response, a term that encapsulates the body's instinctive reaction to danger. This response is characterized by a sudden increase in heart rate, heightened respiration, dry mouth, and sweaty palms, all of which are physical manifestations of stress.

When we encounter a stressful situation, whether it be a looming deadline at work, a public speaking engagement, or a confrontation with a perceived danger, our body undergoes a series of complex changes. The brain detects the threat and signals the adrenal glands to release a cascade of hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones flood the bloodstream, triggering a series of physiological changes that prepare us to either "fight" the threat or "flee" to safety. For instance, adrenaline increases heart rate and blood pressure, ensuring that more oxygen and nutrients are delivered to vital organs and muscles. This heightened state of alertness allows us to react swiftly and decisively in critical situations.

Moreover, the respiratory rate increases, allowing for greater oxygen intake, which is crucial for sustaining energy levels during heightened physical exertion. Our senses become sharper, and we may experience tunnel vision, focusing intently on the immediate threat while filtering out distractions. The digestive system slows down, redirecting energy away from non-essential functions to prioritize our physical response. This automatic bodily response was particularly relevant in our evolutionary past; for instance, when faced with a sabre-toothed tiger, the ability to either confront the predator or escape swiftly could mean the difference between life and death. In such scenarios, this instinctive reaction was vital for survival, allowing our ancestors to navigate a world filled with dangers.

In modern times, while the nature of threats may have evolved, the physiological responses remain largely unchanged. Today, we may not face wild animals, but stressors such as financial pressures, relationship conflicts, and work-related challenges can elicit similar responses. While short-term stress can be advantageous, enabling us to rise to challenges and enhance performance, chronic stress can lead to detrimental effects on our health. Prolonged activation of the stress response can result in a range of health issues, including anxiety, depression, cardiovascular problems, and weakened immune function. Therefore, understanding the nature of stress and its effects on our bodies is crucial for developing effective coping strategies that can help us manage stress in our daily lives.

The problem comes when busy lives and modern stresses and lifestyles, negative thinking or perceptions cause low levels of continuous stress hormone production regularly. The brain cannot tell whether the threat is real or imagined, and therefore this switches on the negative hormone release. This overtime then becomes chronic. Over time this causes an inflammatory response within the body which negatively affects our physical health or psychoimmunology. Many studies have demonstrated this.

Studies have shown that exercise, optimistic thinking, meditation and hypnotherapy all promote the release of the beneficial hormone which helps to reduce stress hormone levels in the body and boost the immune system. Most acute medical care services have strained budgets and mental health services have always been an underserved segment. if we want to take responsibility for improving our mental health then it is largely in our own hands. public healthcare is always going to be reactive, ie when things get really bad. my work resides in the preventative space.

A good hypnotherapist helps you to reduce negative self-talk and unwanted behaviours and helps you get to the real root of the issue to bring about positive and beneficial thinking. All of this serves to fundamentally improve psychoimmunology.