The endo…what? I’ll give you a hint, it’s not what you do when you go over your handlebars. In simplest terms, it is a system of ductless glands that regulate bodily functions through hormones secreted into the bloodstream. This system influences almost every cell, organ and function in our bodies. It is instrumental in regulating mood, tissue function, metabolism and reproductive processes to name a few.

So how is this system involved with stress? When the body is stressed, the glands of our endrocrine system start to produce stress hormones. These hormones are released into the body and in response the liver produces glucose, raising our blood sugar and keeping us in our ‘fight or flight’ sympathetic nervous system when we don’t need to be there. Basically, it inhibits our ability to relax and recover from the stress.

The ability to recover from stress and to relieve ourselves from stress is very important in overall healthy function of the body.  Our society lends to a life of sympathetic nervous system living and not parasympathetic healing.  As a whole we need more time in the parasympathetic nervous system and ‘down time’ is the way to get there.  I’m not talking about down time in front of the television while folding laundry.  I’m referring to meditation, massage, relaxation in nature – I’m referring to time spent nurturing our soul and rejuvenating our systems.  Time out of our hectic schedules and time for healing.