Here is an interesting article about how your posture can help lessen stress during trying situations. I wonder if having good posture in general helps lower anxiety?
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/231010.php
Showing posts with label stress. Show all posts
Showing posts with label stress. Show all posts
Friday, July 15, 2011
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Impaired Cortisol Awakening Response can change your whole work day
The Cortisol Awakening Response is an increase of the cortisol levels in the blood in the first 20 to30 minutes after waking up in the morning. The exact reason for this increase is unknown but it is theorized to be a response to the anticipated stress of the day. For those under heavy workloads or even waking up on a work day as opposed to an off day the increase is greater.
This is relevant to those of us on the ASD Spectrum when viewed in light of a scientific study published in the August 2009 issue of Psychoneuroendocrinology (by Brosnan, et al) demonstrating that adolescent males with Asperger's Syndrome presented a higher than normal incidence of impaired cortisol production. It may be that from the time we wake up we have a different response to the day's stress than the NT population.
Cortisol replacement is a difficult process. Unless a patient presents with severely impaired adrenal gland function most doctors will not prescribe cortisol replacement. Still changes like making sure to waking up in daylight, waking up earlier, selective sleep deprivation and caffeine use may fight the lack of cortisol awakening response. Investigate these and see if any make sense to try in a limited fashion.
[with apologies to Dr. Brosnan for misspelling his name the first time around]
This is relevant to those of us on the ASD Spectrum when viewed in light of a scientific study published in the August 2009 issue of Psychoneuroendocrinology (by Brosnan, et al) demonstrating that adolescent males with Asperger's Syndrome presented a higher than normal incidence of impaired cortisol production. It may be that from the time we wake up we have a different response to the day's stress than the NT population.
Cortisol replacement is a difficult process. Unless a patient presents with severely impaired adrenal gland function most doctors will not prescribe cortisol replacement. Still changes like making sure to waking up in daylight, waking up earlier, selective sleep deprivation and caffeine use may fight the lack of cortisol awakening response. Investigate these and see if any make sense to try in a limited fashion.
[with apologies to Dr. Brosnan for misspelling his name the first time around]
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Stress, Aspergers and my job
Today I came close to a meltdown. With the recent flooding of our house we are displaced and living with my wife's parents until insurance can kick in with long term housing. I have had about five hours of sleep each of the nights since it happened. And my project at work is not going well.
This afternoon I got an e-mail that kind of set me off. I went into my bosses office and ranted about the e-mail for a while. Thankfully he is a level headed guy and just listened and offered to help with the business side of the rant while ignoring the rant side of the rant.
I wish I could say I was perfect but I am not. This is one of the days where I fell far short of my expectations of myself. I hope to get a good night sleep tonight and start all over again tomorrow.
This afternoon I got an e-mail that kind of set me off. I went into my bosses office and ranted about the e-mail for a while. Thankfully he is a level headed guy and just listened and offered to help with the business side of the rant while ignoring the rant side of the rant.
I wish I could say I was perfect but I am not. This is one of the days where I fell far short of my expectations of myself. I hope to get a good night sleep tonight and start all over again tomorrow.
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