Discussion Board

I've read Ornish and understand his emphasis on stress reduction. I've also read Dr. Esselstyn's contention that requiring stress reduction might reduce compliance.

In particular, I'm interested in the role of stress reduction in the management of hypertension. I've read the threads about hypertension in both the general McD forums and in the Star McDougaller forums.

So, have many of you included stress reduction practices in your healthy lifestyle? If so, did it help with hypertension or with your compliance with the McD diet? Did it help with stress eating?

I'm interested in stress reduction as a separate issue from exercise. To me, exercise appears to be an essential ingredient to a healthy lifestyle.

My personal, layman's view is that, once again, Dr. McDougall is right: There are three key steps: Healthy diet, moderate (but frequent) exercise, and low stress.

I know that stress affects the body. In my case it means more rapid heart rate (not good), shallower breathing (not good), and probably a stream of possibly damaging hormones or other substances (such as adrenaline).

I have been successful at diet and exercise. I have not been as successful at stress reduction. First, I haven't devoted as much attention to it. Second, reducing stress can be very difficult for some. It requires changing habits and attitudes we might have developed as a child. I have made progress. I have not arrived at the end point.

The most important question in dealing with stress is this: What is stress?

My definition is that stress is the body's physical response to a physical or mental demand placed on a person.

The key to stress reduction, I have found (so far), is to deal with true (fact-based) demands and reject as unworthy other demands. If I am cold, I respond my adding more clothes or turning up the heat. If someone calls on the phone and tries to pressure me into doing something about X, I need to decide whether I should. If I should, then I make a plan and take action (which reduces stress).