Controlling physical reactions to stress

[bejuce]

Hi HER-2ers,

The article about lack of sleep contributing to aggressive breast cancer and all the studies we know about stress made me wonder whether my zombie like existence breastfeeding my kids around the clock and not sleeping much while also under a lot of stress at work and home (remodeling) had anything to do with my getting sick. I told myself a while back that I'd stop speculating what caused my cancer and that I wouldn't look back in the past and just focus on the present and the future.

I've taken some steps in the right direction: I tend (for the most part as no one is perfect) to eat well and healthy, I exercise 4-5 times a week (including a long bike ride on the weekends), and I try to remain calm and stress free.

The stress free seems to be the most challenging part for me. I've observed that I actually have a physical reaction to stress, like I'll always have diarrhea, and feel pressure in my chest, like my animal instincts kick in and my body is reacting and preparing for a predator of some kind. This happens for example when I have to do a big presentation at work or elsewhere. I get into this tense mode until I'm up there and talking, and the stress dissipates slowly.

I'd love to learn how to control these physical reactions to stress, and I've tried breathing but so far with limited success. Does anyone have any tips?

Thanks!!!