How meditation impacts when dealing with stress - Essay Example

Download file to see previous pages... Maddock and Pariante (2001) discuss that stress comes about when the demands of the environment exceed the available resources of a person in meeting such demands. Stress may be evaluated in terms of various elements, firstly, in terms of its duration (acute versus chronic), in terms of its quantity (discrete events versus cumulative events), and quality (interpersonal events versus non-interpersonal events). The adaptation to stressful events is also based on physiological as well as behavioural changes. Physiological elements in the manifestation of stress are based on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis as well as the norepinephrine/autonomic nervous system (Maddock and Pariante, 2001, p. 83). As the corticotrophin-releasing hormone stimulates the pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system, the glucose levels, heart rates, as well as blood pressure often increase. Immune responses are seen in behavioural changes in the body as a result of stress. In this case, there is an enhanced arousal and vigilance, as well as suppression on feeding and reproductive behaviour (Maddock and Pariante, 2001, p. 83). Such behavioural responses are often beneficial for individuals. Heightened levels of behavioural and physiological responses may, however, be harmful to a person’s health. In general Maddock and Pariante also discuss that harmful levels of stress can lead to coronary diseases, cancer, compromised immune system, as well as mental health issues like depression....
83). Such behavioural responses are often beneficial for individuals. Heightened levels in behavioural and physiological responses may however be harmful to a person’s health. In general Maddock and Pariante (2001) also discuss that harmful levels of stress can lead to coronary diseases, cancer, compromised immune system, as well as mental health issues like depression. Due to these negative effects, the need to establish effective interventions for its management has become imperative in the delivery of health care services. Studies on the impact of meditation on stress In an Australian study by Holt and Mar (2005), the authors were able to establish that about 60% of general practitioners often sought educational materials on the management of stress. In a related study of GPs, about 12% of respondents indicated that stress was a major issue in their lives (Schattner and Coman, 1998). Stress management including meditation has been considered as a possibly simple and effective health strategy in improving stress levels among GPs. Manocha, et.al., (2010) discuss that meditation is an important skill to learn and once it is learned, it can be carried out independently at person’s own choosing in the management of future or ongoing stress. Meditation has also been considered as an effective technique in enhancing general well-being. An Australian survey revealed that in a community of about 1100, 11% of respondents practiced meditation at least once in their daily activities with 29% of respondents expressing prayer to be their source of well-being and 24% of them using meditation in order to gain improved well-being (Kaldor, et.al., 2002). Various ...Download file to see next pagesRead More