Talk Back

Our bodies speak to us in a variety of ways. A nagging headache or upset stomach can sometimes be the body’s way of expressing internal tension, stress or anxiety. Through the use of various monitoring equipment, biofeedback reestablishes the connection between the mind and the body, putting these indissoluble partners back on speaking terms.

“Biofeedback is a psychotherapeutic and performance enhancement technique that teaches mind-body regulation through the observation and shaping of one’s psychophysiological responses in a direction associated with optimum functioning. For example, by learning to manipulate one’s brain waves, breathing or other measures (e.g., temperature, blood pressure, muscle tension) based on visual and/or auditory feedback an individual can achieve better self-regulation and mental and motor performance,” offers Dr. Roland A. Carlstedt, sport psychologist, chairman of the American Board of Sport Psychology (www.americanboardofsportpsychology.organd author

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The Stress and Metabolism Link

Stress, especially prolonged exposure to stress, can seriously affect your metabolism, as well as your overall health and well-being.

There is a hormone in our body called cortisol, which aids in certain body functions. It aids regulation of blood pressure, release of insulin for blood sugar stability, increase of immunity, and proper metabolism of glucose. Small increases of cortisol can be beneficial, resulting in a quick, healthy jolt of energy and immunity, heightened memory, and a higher pain threshold. However, when too much cortisol is released or if it is released too often, it results in the following:

• Blood sugar imbalances
• Higher blood pressure
• Decreased immunity
• Lower cognitive performance
• Decrease in bone density
• Decrease in muscle tissue

Cortisol particularly stimulates amino acid release from your muscles to be converted to glucose that will serve as an energy source for your body to cope with stress. Yes, your hard-earned muscles are at the mercy of cor

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STRESS AND LIFE SITUATIONS

We have a life situation that is perceived. Such feelings as fear, anger, and insecurity or feelings of being overpowered, frustrated, pressured, or helpless may be results of perceiving a life situation as stressful. These feelings lead to physiological stimulation. If physiological stimulation is chronic or prolonged, illness or disease may result. In addition, stress can lead to other consequences, like inefficient performance and interpersonal relationships at work, school, or home.

Setting Up Roadblocks

Once the succession from a life situation through emotion, physiological stimulation, insight, and susceptibility to illnesses and other consequences is understood, it is then possible to hamper these consequences from occurring. Intervention entails setting up roadblocks at different points on the stress model.

For example, even though a life situation requiring adaptation presents itself to you, a roadblock between that life situation and the next phase could be set up





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