Is illness merely a consequence of the proverbial "throw of the dice", or do we need to dig deeper?

To many, it may be evident that illness is not accidental, whilst others may argue that sometimes it is. Underpinning these divergent views, though, lurks a few key questions.

Firstly, do we truly understand the relationship between our bodies and the various environments we work in, live in and play in?

Secondly, do our life experiences, especially those profound and impactful ones, play any role in future disease?

It is tempting to dismiss illness as a random event or bad luck. And of course, this may sometimes be the case, but the reality is that more often than not, something more profound is at play.

Consider, for example, the role of stress in illness. It has been well-researched and isn't ground-breaking news. But how many of us pay serious attention to the impact of stress and take tangible actions to monitor and reduce the stress in our lives?

Instead, we adopt an "it is what it is" mentality.

The reality, though, is that stress can wreak havoc on your body.

This is true irrespective of whether the tension arises from external factors like work or relationships or internal factors like worry and anxiety.

It does this by triggering a series of physiological responses ranging from an elevated heart rate and blood pressure to releasing stress hormones like Cortisol.

One possible consequence, for example, of your body releasing high amounts of Cortisol for an extended period is that Cortisol surpresses Insulin. This means your body needs to produce more and more Insulin to regulate your blood sugar. And this in turn, can cause your body to develop Insulin Resistance and, ultimately, Diabetes as a result.

Talk about a chain reaction!

Physiological responses, like the release of Adrenaline and Cortisol and a higher heart rate, are appropriate for short-term "fight or flight" responses to imminent danger.

However, your body is not designed to tolerate continuous chronic stress.

Over time, chronic stress can have a profound impact on your physical and mental health and increase your susceptibility to a range of illnesses, including Heart Disease, Diabetes, and Depression.

And because stress weakens the immune system, it also makes you more susceptible to infections and diseases. It can also disrupt your sleep patterns, inhibit your body's healing ability, impair cognition and accelerate ageing.

Wow!

And as if all this was not enough, stress is not just a by-product of our hectic modern lives.

It's also deeply connected to our past experiences and our emotional well-being.

Dr Gabor Maté, a renowned physician and author who has spent years studying the link between stress and illness, notes many of the chronic illnesses we face today, from autoimmune disorders to addiction, can be traced back to unresolved emotional trauma.

In his book "When the Body Says No: Exploring the Stress-Disease Connection", Dr Maté explores how suppressed emotions and unprocessed trauma can manifest as physical illness.

He argues that our bodies can remarkably adapt and compensate for stress in the short term.

But over time, the cumulative burden of unresolved stress can overwhelm our system, leading to illness.

So, how do we break free from the cycle of chronic stress and reclaim our health?

According to Dr Maté, the key lies in physical and emotional rest. Note that he mentions both physical and emotional rest.

Physical rest alone is insufficient.

Therefore, he emphasises the importance of creating space for relaxation and rejuvenation, whether through meditation, mindfulness, or simply taking time to rest and recharge.

And then he takes it one step further.

He argues that it also involves acknowledging and addressing the emotional wounds beneath the surface.

In simple terms, this means facing your demons from the past.

Dr Maté, therefore, advocates for a holistic approach to healing. Such healing can include therapy, joining a support group, and other forms of emotional processing.

There are a few well-known and practical things you can consider, and it is recommended that you research these further.

The key is understanding that none of these techniques are a quick fix for chronic stress.

Nothing is.

Instead, applying one or more of them consistently over time can make a difference.

In a fast-paced, modern world, it may feel like there is no time for things like these. But the simple truth is that you may need to pause.

Sometimes, you need to go slower to go faster.

When stressed, we tense up and, therefore, not only experience the side effects of ill health but also become less productive.

There are some practical things, like deep breathing, that can help relieve tension. And other activities, like journaling, that focus more on helping you by providing a healthy outlet for your emotional stress, which are also beneficial.

This can help you better understand what triggered the emotions.

Consider the following practical things to try and remember you don’t always need large interventions to create significant change. Small consistent efforts are surprisingly powerful.

1. Deep Breathing

Take a moment to focus on your breathing. Inhale slowly through your nose and fill your lungs with air. Then, exhale slowly through your mouth. Do this several times, allowing yourself to relax with each breath. Do this for a few minutes each day, and you may be surprised by how much it helps.

2. Meditation

Find a quiet space and sit comfortably. Close your eyes and focus on being fully present in the moment. The key here is to be fully present so be sure to eliminate distractions before you start.

Then try and pay attention only to your breathing and the sensations in your body.

It may initially feel strange, but you will gradually get used to it. If you notice any thoughts or feelings, let them pass without judgment.

3. Muscle Relaxation

When we experience stress, our muscles tend to tense up. So start by tensing and slowly relaxing each muscle group, from your toes to your head.

The key is to go slow and pay attention to the sensations of tension and relaxation, allowing yourself to release any built-up stress.

4. Exercise

The benefits of exercise have been well-researched, and it is possibly the number one stress killer. Physical activity is a great way to release tension and boost your mood, whether going for a walk, visiting a gym, taking dance classes or practising your golf swing.

Find an activity you enjoy and make it a routine. Daily exercise is better than a significant effort once a week.

5. Journaling

Fetch a pen and paper (or your favourite digital device) and start writing. Journaling is a simple way to express your thoughts freely without fear of judgment.

Your journal is for your eyes only and is a powerful tool for processing emotions, gaining insight into your thoughts and behaviours, and relieving stress.

Looking back at how you felt at certain times,and why, can provide helpful insights.

6. Spending Time Outdoors

Sunshine in moderation is good for you and a great mood enhancer. A simple dose of fresh air can also work wonders.

Spending time in nature is a known stress reliever and helps to improve overall well-being. So, take a walk, hike in the park, or sit outside and enjoy the view.

7. Listening to Music

Music is medicine for the soul. Put on your favourite tunes and let the music fill you.

Music has a way of triggering emotions that helps you to release them and soothe the soul. Create a playlist of songs that uplift and inspire you, and listen to these whenever you need a mood boost.

8. A Healthy Support System

Reach out to friends, family members, or a trusted support system.

We are social beings, so social connections are essential for mental and emotional well-being. These connections provide comfort, validation, and a sense of belonging. So, schedule regular check-ins or meet-ups to stay connected.

9. Practicing Appreciation

Life can be challenging, so take a moment to reflect on what you're grateful for.

Sometimes, reflecting on what others are going through and practising gratitude helps to increase happiness and resilience and helps to shift your focus from negativity to positivity.

10. Setting Healthy Boundaries

Learn to say no when you need to.

The ability to set healthy boundaries is an essential part of self-care, allowing you to protect your time, energy, and emotional well-being.

Be clear and assertive about your needs; don't be afraid to prioritise your health and happiness.

So, if you find yourself in a world where your health has taken a turn for the worse, ask yourself this. Is it bad luck or simply your turn to be ill?

Or could it be that years of pent up stress and/or underlying trauma are finally taking their toll?

If so, what do you intend to do about it?

Until next time, may you be more deliberate in practicing self-care.

Dion Le Roux

1. Maté, G. (2003). When the Body Says No: Exploring the Stress-Disease Connection. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.