why do we do the things, we do

I stayed up studying till 6.30 this morning with Eddie & Suet Beng, although Suet Beng k.o (knocked out) earlier. Then I headed home to "nap". hahaha!

So why is it that we do the things we do to our body? Particularly, in a time-pressured situation. I reckon its the "fight-or-flight response", which is also called the "acute stress response". Where we regulate stress in three stages: alarm, resistance and exhaustion.

In a stressful situation, the body releases chemicals that trigger:

• Increased heart rate and blood pressure.
• Rapid breathing.
• Increased sweating.
• A sudden rush of strength.
• Slowed digestion.
• Dilated pupils.

This is the Alarm stage. Shortly after the danger has passed, our mind & body begins to relax, entering the Resistance stage. If the stressor continues, our physiological response enters the Exhaustion stage, in which our bodies continue the fight-or-flight response, this will eventually cause damage to our bodily systems. That's why after our exams papers have past and we can fully relax, your immune system goes on a holiday & we can sick, b'cos we've overworked it.

We also got to deal with how we express the feelings we experience. Its important to express these feelings as we don't want to add to the stress we are already experiencing, as our body & mind are interdependent.

And lastly, we have our behavioural responses to stress, where we unconsciously try to eliminate those feelings. This maybe in the form of food, medication, alcohol, being aggressive, hiding, etc.

Here are a few techniques to help reduce feeling stress:
1. When studying in a group, have one person tell the group something funny. I recommend every 20-30 minutes. A good laugh is the best cure for alot of things.
2. Take a breather from the study table, stand up & stretch yourself out.
3. Do something you like for about 5-10 minutes.
4. Go out for a short walk.

The best is before you kick start your day, say a short prayer.

Lord, I ask that you be my peace, my comfortor in this time of stress (exams).
In Your precious Name.
Amen.

Press on everyone . . .