The holidays can create an opportunity to create joyful memories with family and friends. However it can also be the most stressful time of year. In "Intimacy and Stress," Dr. Ava talks about coping with stress so we can focus on strengthening relationships and enjoying life. This is particularly helpful during this exciting, intense time of year.
When our body feels the affects of acute stress, it is analogous to a plane gearing up for take-off. All systems are go, including the heart and blood vessels, the immune system, the lungs, the digestive system, the sensory organs, and brain are all modified and ready to encounter perceived danger. This is where changing our emotions from negative to positive can promote good health, performance, and well-being.
Of course, this is easier said than done. The fact is that emotions like fear, anger, frustration, insecurity, and depressing feelings are stressful and inhibit optimal health. Positive emotions like appreciation, compassion, and love not only feel good, but they promote good health for the mind, body, and soul.
Stress is the leading cause of diminished sexual desire and can result in an inability to achieve orgasm in women. Stress may even affect fertility because stress hormones have an impact on the hypothalamus gland, which produces reproductive hormones. Severely high Cortisol levels can even shut down menstruation. According to the American Institute of Stress, one study reported a significantly higher incidence of pregnancy loss in women who experienced both high stress and prolonged menstrual cycles. Another reported that women with stressful jobs had shorter periods than women with low-stress jobs.
Stress can also cause temporary impotence in men. Part of the stress reaction entails the release of brain chemicals that constrict the smooth muscles of the penis and its arteries. This restriction reduces the blood flow into the penis, which can prevent erection.
Cognitive-behavioral methods are the most successful ways to reduce stress. These include identifying the basis of the stress like what triggers it, reorganizing priorities, and finding a new positive response for reducing stress. Then it’s most important to log the stress-reducing activities which lower stress and produce a sense of wellbeing. Consider as many stress relief options as possible.
Examples include the following …
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