Thursday, March 14, 2013

Fight or Flight/Going on a Bear Hunt

The other week my wife explained to me, a workshop she attended. The workshop essentially revolved around the natural body hormone - cortisol, and how the role for cortisol in our bodies has changed. Though it still pumps through our stressed bodies we aren't necessarily fighting for flighting (fleeing) something that is straight-up physical in nature. So the cortisol causes weight gain.

Yes, cortisol is the cause for all my weight gain.

She reiterated to me that cortisol is a part of us, naturally released by our bodies when we feel stressed.  Its' purpose seems to involve stimulating us into fighting or fleeing through a tough situation. As in, there is a saber toothed tiger that is snooping around the cave looking for a little snack. The cortisol starts pumping and you find yourself choosing between fighting or fleeing.

Or perhaps you are on the front line of some invading army, running with a sword and shield and perhaps a bit of body armor, but mostly bare-legged, crazy-eyed and blue-faced. Heading for the glory of battle - cortisol motivating you throughout as you make your way for the enemy, slashing and fighting to some dream outcome (or at least an evening meal).

But now, these days, 2013, what are we physically fighting for or fleeing from? Not much. We don't too often find ourselves chasing a purse snatcher down some alley. Or meeting some wildebeest head-on in the WC.

And we're still stressed. Searching for work, navigating morning traffic, paying for health care, maybe even trying to avoid losing your home - and what about your body? Still pumping that cortisol as you sit reading that ER bill or maybe this stressful blog. (What is he talkin' about?)

So where does that cortisol go to if it isn't being "worked out?" Are you physically doing something about it? Perhaps not. I know where mine goes - they're called love handles and no they aren't loved.

Got me wondering about a new way to work out - occasional bear hunts, complete with periodic bursts of terror in between, causing me to overreact to dangers unseen, beyond the horizon. Of course fighting, not fleeing my way through dangerous forest and over raging rivers.

Yes, it reminds me of a little story... I once heard - or told - or tried to tell; about bear hunting -


Fight or flight on a bear hunt...

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