A Mammoth A Day Keeps The Doctor Away

Tens of thousands of years ago, our ancestors were
much better at eliminating stress and anxiety than
we are in our modern times.

When confronted with a pack of charging mammoths,
the stress and anxiety created by this dreadful occurrence
lead to a pattern of physical reactions: their muscles
tensed, their breathing became rapid and shallow, and the
stimulation of the adrenal glands which pour adrenaline into
the system got them to fight or flight. In the case of the charging
mammoths, I presume they fled.




In addition to the regular fight and flight exercises, the
lifestyle in vogue during the Pleistocene epoch procured
our lucky ancestors with an increased amount of daily physical
activities that continually regulated the build up of stress.
Hunting for your food with nothing but a club is a great
stress reliever.

Nowadays, however, we live in a world which doesn't allow for
as much running and fighting. So we are stuck with the same
pattern of physical reactions whenever something dreadful or
annoying occurs -- tense muscles, rapid and shallow breathing,
adrenaline rush -- but we deal with it by mostly fleeing. Only not
with our legs: with food, and alcohol, and drugs.

The more we do this, the more we feel trapped, as if things
are happening to us and we can't protect ourselves, or we
don't know how to improve our situation.

We have no release.

This is were exercise seems to change all of that. Once people
begin and stick to even a modest exercise program, they start
to feel a sense of taking control over their life.

Exercise helps us absorb and burn off the excess adrenaline
that can lead to symptoms such as sweating and shakiness.
In addition to this, exercise promotes the production of pituitary
gland secretions known as endorphines. And endorphines
are natural anti-depressants that can safely and powerfully
promote a sense of well being. At no cost...and with no side-effects.

So think about that the next time you feel stressed and anxious.

Take care!

Mudd

P.S.: Questions or not, I'd love to hear from you. Please email me at
anxietybuster@gmail.com or simply click the link on the sidebar.