Stress is a factor in our modern lives, and each of us handles stress differently. What triggers the stress response in one person may not in another. Plus, the stress response can be triggered by our own thoughts and emotions.

Stress has been linked to leading causes of death in the U.S. (PsychCentral.com) such as heart disease and in some cases, suicide. Long-term stress leads to reduced immune function, high blood pressure, digestive problems, diabetes, obesity, muscle tension, depression, anxiety, adrenal fatigue, accelerated aging, memory loss and reduced learning ability. Over time, chronic stress patterns can even rewrite genetic codes and activate recessive traits that were meant to be dormant (Science Daily).

But the stress response is there to protect us by preparing to confront danger or run away (fight-or-flight). We may also stop and freeze as we wait for the danger to pass. When the threat is too great and we cannot run or feel survival is possible, we shut down, which may result in fainting or confusion.

Once the stress is passed, we usually return to a more relaxed state. Many people find themselves in a resistance state where the stressor is gone, but they are still operating in a heightened survival state. As we remain in the alarmed state or it keeps repeating, we can become depleted by an exhaustion phase because we cannot keep up with the physiological demands.

Getting out of a stress response pattern can be difficult due to the new neuropathways created by emotionally charged responses. Stress management activities include deep breathing, meditation, flower essences, homeopathic remedies, exercise, journaling, and rest. Having a session with a wellness coach can address the whole-person approach and tailor an individualized program.

Energy healing, either in person or at a distance, can aid the relaxation response, support the body’s vital energy and help clear and process energy. An energy healer may coach the client in energy healing self-help techniques to support the work of the session and help them retrain to find a healthy stress/relaxation response.

Andréa Kremposky, owner of Dremari Holistic Wellness, is a holistic health practitioner and certified LifeForce energy healer from Smithfield, PA. She has done remote energy healing sessions with people around the world. For more information, call 724-984-3926, email [email protected] or visit DremariHolisticWellness.net.