PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY OF STRESS & RELAXATION

To adequately comprehend what happens to the body under stress, it is essential to understand certain terms describing the physiology of stress and relaxation. Often, the body, which strives for perfect internal balance at all times, shows physical signs and symptoms of disturbance caused by stress.

Homeostasis: This is the body's internal self-correcting mechanism that helps it maintain systemic balance following disruption. Homeostatic responses include shivering when feeling cold that increases the body's heat or sweating when hot, to cool the body through evaporation.

Other homeostatic responses include hunger, thirst, exertional strain and and emotional stress. Blushing when embarrassed and having cold hands during an interview, are classic examples of homeostatic disruption. Relaxation is essential to recover from this state.

Ergotrophic responses: Makes the body ready for work. It is a state of charged readiness. Gearing up of the nervous system for action. Trophotrophic responses: The body is brought down to a quiescent state. It is a tune down process that brings the body to a equilibrium rest state. It is a restoring response and regenerates the body reserves , both physical and emotional.