Month: November 2023

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Originally posted at: Lisa Barlow’s Black Mesh Top and Satin Suit

It was an ordinary Thursday evening just after 7 p.m. And, as on every Thursday evening at that time, my choir was warming up for its two-hour rehearsal to come. All eyes were on the conductor, including mine.

But one of the tenors was very slightly late and was just coming into the room. A couple of people later said that he looked very ashen. He stumbled before reaching the seat he was heading for and crashed onto the floor. There was a clattering from the missed chair.

The conductor stopped. The room became very quiet. That is when I realised something was wrong.

And it was – very, very wrong. It was a heart attack for all to see.

CPR

My choir has singers from all walks of life, and – perhaps surprisingly – it has four doctors who sing regularly. Two are eye specialists and two are general practitioners, so none have real expertise in heart conditions, but at least they are doctors.

Not one of these was there that evening.

But fortunately, one of our newer members turned out to be a young nurse who specialises in coronary intensive care. She immediately took over. She asked whether anyone had experience of helping with CPR or would be willing to help – and two people volunteered, including one woman I later learned had been a nurse in earlier years.

An ambulance was, of course, called.

We were asked to clear the room. Some choir members simply went home. Many of us decamped into a second room nearby, where we sometimes rehearse, and waited to see what would happen.

The ambulance arrived quickly, we were later told. The paramedics, together with the nurse and her helpers, carried out CPR on the tenor for some time – close to an hour. I learned later that there was a substantial period when he wasn’t breathing. I hadn’t known that was possible.

Singing

After a brief period, our choir conductor came into the spare room and said that he didn’t really know what was the right thing to do, but if we wanted to sing, he would conduct us. Several choir members indicated that they would like to sing, so we began to rehearse as normally as we could.

I wondered if the tenor with the evident heart attack could hear anything, would he be helped or hindered by the stunningly beautiful sounds of Verdi’s Requiem, which we were rehearsing.

At some point, the young nurse who had initially taken charge popped into our room to give us an update. “We found a pulse,” she said. Clearly good news. The patient had been taken by the ambulance to a local hospital.

“But,” she added, “if you don’t mind, I would like to go home.”

Yes, I thought. You have just saved someone’s life and must be full of adrenalin, not to mention complex thoughts. Of course, you don’t feel like sitting in choir practice. Of course, go home and have a lovely glass of wine. Or probably something stronger.

The Aftermath

Our choir has regular communications by email and during the next few days, there was a fulsome thank-you from the tenor himself, adding how he might not be able to get to the rehearsals immediately, but he still hoped to sing in the concert.

And another from his wife with enormous gratitude for the work of the key choir members in saving her husband.

And then, exactly one week later, Thursday morning, the day of our next choir practice, came a sadder note that the tenor had experienced another heart attack while still in hospital and had died. His wife was especially grateful for the extra week we had given her and her family.

It was a sombre choir practice that evening.

Reminders of Mortality

It is strange that although many people are dying every day, we rarely find ourselves so literally close to it. It does make you think.

Where will you be when your time comes? Will someone be around who knows what to do? Will you see your family in time? Will you be able to say all the important good-byes?

What if it is your husband or partner – or, indeed, child? Will those things happen for you?

Even though I am over the age of 80, I am more aware of infirmities and illness than of death among friends and family. Yet seeing loved ones die is part of life as we grow older. This occasion was a big reminder.

And I can add a note that, a week or so later, some members of the choir sang at the tenor’s funeral.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you witnessed a heart attack? What did it make you feel? Do you know how to do CPR or feel you should learn? Do you ever think about your own death and where it might happen?

Stress is a pervasive aspect of modern life, and its impact on our eating habits can be profound. For many of us, stress often triggers the urge to turn to food for comfort or relief, leading to a behavior known as emotional eating. In this article, we will delve into the effects of stress on emotional eating, understanding the underlying mechanisms, and exploring strategies to break free from this cycle.

The Stress-Eating Cycle

Cortisol and Appetite Regulation

Stress triggers the release of cortisol, a hormone that regulates various physiological processes, including appetite. Elevated cortisol levels can increase cravings for foods high in sugar, fat, or salt, often referred to as “comfort foods.” These foods activate reward centers in the brain, providing temporary relief from stress.

Emotional Triggers and Coping Mechanisms

Stressful situations can evoke strong emotions such as anxiety, sadness, or frustration. Emotional eaters often turn to food as a coping mechanism to manage these emotions. The act of eating triggers the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine, which temporarily reduces stress and provides a sense of pleasure.

Negative Emotions and Reward-Seeking

Stressful experiences can generate negative emotions that individuals seek to alleviate. Food, especially high-calorie options, can activate reward pathways in the brain, creating a temporary mood boost. This association between food and reward leads to a reinforcing cycle, as we learn to rely on food for emotional relief.

Biological and Psychological Mechanisms

Physiological Responses to Stress

Stress triggers a cascade of physiological responses, including the release of stress hormones like cortisol. Elevated cortisol levels can disrupt appetite regulation, leading to an increase in appetite and cravings, particularly for foods high in sugar and fat.

Emotional Regulation and Self-Soothing

Eating can serve as a form of self-soothing, providing a temporary distraction or comfort during times of stress. The act of chewing and consuming food activates sensory pathways, which can have a calming effect on the nervous system and help regulate emotions.

Neurotransmitters and Reward Pathways

Stress and emotional eating are interconnected through the release of neurotransmitters, particularly dopamine. Dopamine is associated with pleasure and reward, and the consumption of certain foods can trigger its release. The resulting positive reinforcement strengthens the connection between stress, emotions, and food.

Cognitive Factors and Habit Formation

Stress can impair cognitive functioning and self-control, making it more challenging to resist the temptation of emotional eating. In times of stress, we may rely on ingrained habits, turning to familiar foods and eating patterns as a default response to emotional distress.

Strategies to Manage Stress and Break the Cycle

Stress Management Techniques

Implementing stress management techniques can help reduce the impact of stress on emotional eating. Regular exercise, mindfulness practices, deep breathing exercises, and engaging in activities that promote relaxation can all help manage stress levels and minimize the urge to turn to food for comfort.

Cognitive-Behavioral Strategies

Cognitive-behavioral strategies can assist in breaking the cycle of stress and emotional eating. Techniques such as cognitive restructuring, identifying and challenging negative thought patterns, and developing alternative coping mechanisms can empower us to respond to stress in healthier ways.

Building a Support Network

Seeking support from friends, family, or professionals can be beneficial in managing stress and emotional eating. A supportive network can provide encouragement, accountability, and guidance during challenging times, helping us navigate stressors more effectively.

Mindful Eating Practices

Practicing mindful eating involves paying attention to physical hunger and fullness cues, as well as being aware of the sensory experience of eating. By slowing down, savoring each bite, and cultivating a non-judgmental awareness of food choices, we can reduce stress-related eating and develop a healthier relationship with food.

Self-Care and Healthy Habits

Engaging in self-care activities is essential for managing stress and promoting overall well-being. Prioritizing sleep, engaging in enjoyable hobbies, practicing relaxation techniques, and nourishing the body with balanced meals can create a foundation of self-care that supports healthier responses to stress.

Stress has a profound impact on emotional eating, often leading us to turn to food as a means of comfort or stress relief. Emotional eating often begins as a seemingly innocent response to occasional emotional discomfort or stress. At first, it may provide a temporary sense of relief or distraction from negative emotions.

For instance, after a particularly challenging day at work, indulging in a sweet treat may offer a brief escape and create a sense of comfort. Over time, however, this occasional behavior can develop into a habitual pattern as the brain starts associating food with emotional relief. The brain’s reward system reinforces the connection between consuming certain foods and feeling better emotionally, leading to a cycle of emotional eating.

By understanding the mechanisms underlying the stress-eating connection, we can develop strategies to manage stress effectively and break free from the cycle of emotional eating. Incorporating stress management techniques, practicing mindfulness, building a support network, and prioritizing self-care can empower us to develop healthier coping mechanisms and cultivate a balanced relationship with food and emotions.

Reclaiming control over your stress and eating habits can be difficult, but it is possible. You can start your journey by getting my free e-Book here and learn how emotional eating began for you.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

If you are a stress-eater, how do you manage your eating behavior? What self-care habit helps you keep your stress-eating under control? Let us know in the comments.

Originally posted at: Heather Gay’s Copper Satin Criss Cross Blouse and Pants

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Originally posted at: Whitney Rose’s Black Gucci Shirt and Pilot Sunglasses