Stress is the alarm clock that lets you know you’ve attached to something not true for you
-Byron Katie
This quote by Byron Katie is letting us know that stress is the alarm clock (warning signal) for our body and mind. When we are stressed our body and brain sends out signals; to let us know we are overdoing it or that the problem/problems are getting out of control, and we need to do something about it.
The purpose of an alarm clock
The purpose of an alarm clock is to wake up a heavy sleeper. It also acts as a reminder for people regarding their daily schedule. It alerts you of a specified time or event that is occurring.
Traditional/ old fashioned alarm clocks have a harsh, loud, jarring, jolting sound. The alarm lets the sleeper know it is time to get up and get ready for the day. That sound had such a force behind it; there is no way you can continue to sleep with it going off.
You are immediately forced out of sleep, when the alarm clock sounds. The sound is so harsh and jarring, you are jolted from your sleep, your heart is pounding, and you are looking around trying to figure out what is going on.
Warning Signals of Stress
Stress is an alarm clock to the body and the mind, it is alerting us and warning us. When experiencing stress, the mind and body is forced out of its usual, calm state and routine. We are jolted out of our comfortable livelihood, so the brain and body put us in a fight, flight, or freeze mode.
When we are in a stressful situation, we experience physical symptoms such as: a fast-beating heart, knots in our stomach, nausea, headaches. The signal is telling us that the situation is not good for us, and we need to either resolve it quickly or remove our self from it.
Becoming aware of stress signals in our body
Knowing the signs, symptoms and signals the body and brain sends us when stressed, is the first step in reducing stress. In order to properly and effectively manage our stress; we need to become aware of what is causing us our stress. We also need to be aware of how our body and mind responds and reacts to stress.