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Stoic Stress ep 29 : Discourses 5.10.5 : Stress and Body Aches
Adrenaline is a safety mechanism our body produces. It’s produced by the hypothalamus in our central nervous system. It comes from the days when we were hunters, and sometimes the hunted.
In addition, when we were in these types of situations, adrenaline coursed through our veins in what scientists refer to as the ‘fight or flight’ response. In addition, we either fled and ran away, or fought. It’s our body’s way of preparing us to act quickly.
When stress signals occur infrequently, it doesn’t harm our bodies since it’s easier to recover. In fact, in small doses, stress can save your life and help you get things done. Stress is what gets you to cram before a big test, or jerk your hand away from a hot stove.
However, nowadays, things have changed. We have the same surge of adrenaline pumping through our veins, but it never seems to stop. In addition, stress levels stay elevated for far longer than normal, never giving our body the chance to rest or recuperate.
This leads to tension, muscle aches and even more stress. It’s a vicious cycle of feeling overwhelmed, anxious, irritable, exhausted, which all result in tense muscle groups and uncomfortable aches and pains.
However this gives us a signal that something is wrong and we need to respond to it. Stoic principles show that even with sickness and body aches we should not lose our judgement.
Discourses 3.10.5 states Again; in a fever, we should have such principles ready as relate to a fever; and not, as soon as we are taken ill, forget all. Provided I do but act like a philosopher, let what will happen. Some way or other depart I must from this frail body, whether a fever comes or not. What is it to be a philosopher? Is it not to be prepared against events? Do you not comprehend that you then say, in effect, “If I am but prepared to bear all events with calmness, let what will happen”; otherwise, you are like an athlete, who, after receiving a blow, should quit the combat. In that case, indeed, you might leave off without a penalty. But what shall we get by leaving off philosophy?
The pain and tension is mainly because adrenaline causes blood vessels to constrict so muscles don't get the amount of oxygenated blood they need. In addition, since there is a vast amount of muscle tissue all over the body, the pain can be felt anywhere and everywhere.
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By Matt SchmidtAdrenaline is a safety mechanism our body produces. It’s produced by the hypothalamus in our central nervous system. It comes from the days when we were hunters, and sometimes the hunted.
In addition, when we were in these types of situations, adrenaline coursed through our veins in what scientists refer to as the ‘fight or flight’ response. In addition, we either fled and ran away, or fought. It’s our body’s way of preparing us to act quickly.
When stress signals occur infrequently, it doesn’t harm our bodies since it’s easier to recover. In fact, in small doses, stress can save your life and help you get things done. Stress is what gets you to cram before a big test, or jerk your hand away from a hot stove.
However, nowadays, things have changed. We have the same surge of adrenaline pumping through our veins, but it never seems to stop. In addition, stress levels stay elevated for far longer than normal, never giving our body the chance to rest or recuperate.
This leads to tension, muscle aches and even more stress. It’s a vicious cycle of feeling overwhelmed, anxious, irritable, exhausted, which all result in tense muscle groups and uncomfortable aches and pains.
However this gives us a signal that something is wrong and we need to respond to it. Stoic principles show that even with sickness and body aches we should not lose our judgement.
Discourses 3.10.5 states Again; in a fever, we should have such principles ready as relate to a fever; and not, as soon as we are taken ill, forget all. Provided I do but act like a philosopher, let what will happen. Some way or other depart I must from this frail body, whether a fever comes or not. What is it to be a philosopher? Is it not to be prepared against events? Do you not comprehend that you then say, in effect, “If I am but prepared to bear all events with calmness, let what will happen”; otherwise, you are like an athlete, who, after receiving a blow, should quit the combat. In that case, indeed, you might leave off without a penalty. But what shall we get by leaving off philosophy?
The pain and tension is mainly because adrenaline causes blood vessels to constrict so muscles don't get the amount of oxygenated blood they need. In addition, since there is a vast amount of muscle tissue all over the body, the pain can be felt anywhere and everywhere.