Stages of Stress _ Eyes tell all

Did you know that you can recognize a person’s stress at first glance? By simply

observing the eyes you can tell if someone’s physical, mental or emotional capacity is in

short supply.

Stress happens because we feel we can’t handle what’s going on around or within us.

For most of us it happens at least once a day on some level. There’s no escape from it.

Everyday life continues to confront us with unpleasant, unexpected or unwanted events

or situations. There seems no way to avoid stress. In fact, to avoid stress is to avoid life;

and to deny that, denies your ability to do anything to relieve it.

Immediate shock such as an accident puts us in stress; so do unsolved problems or when

our beliefs and values come under attack by differences of opinions. Though it’s an

individual matter how each of us responds to the same situation; the same event can be

minor stressor for some and a major reaction for another.

These stress reactions show up in the eyes as there are three different stages of stress.

First Stress : In a moment of shock the body goes into a fight or flight response and the

brain shuts down, which is why when we are under stress, we can’t think. The pores of

the skin contract giving it a shiny look and the eyes get glassy and dull. In such a state

our mind is as dull as our eyes. It’s like we’re rowing a boat with one oar out of the

water.

Second Stage : If stress continues, the adrenal glands create a chemical within the body

which affects our depth perception. This pushes one eyeball upwards and we can see

more white under one eye… literally both eyes don’t appear in a straight line. Our

balance is off and accidents easily happen! In this state we’re unable to judge the

distance in our movements and get clumsy and may even fall.

Third Stage : When white shows under both eyes we’re dealing with a person who has

unresolved or obsessive issues for a long time. In this state the person has had

prolonged sorrow or intense melancholy and is unable to find productive or creative

choices. They are also living in the past and not able to be functional in the present.

So how can we help to resolve and defuse this stress?

Simply place one palm on your forehead and the other at the back of the head; then

mentally re-play the stressful situation with eyes closed, three times. Now imagine the

choices you could have if it were possible, however bizarre they maybe. Keep the choices

coming and have patience. Then imagine a positive and desired result you wish for. This

may take a few minutes, but it’s important to do it slowly and thoroughly.

We can all re-pattern our past and change the perception of the future. Acknowledge

and defuse the negative aspects of the past and remember the times you were in a

happier state. Letting go of the past frees us for re-claiming those refreshing memories

again.

Changed perception changes the choices we allow to make. Change your perception and

change your life!

​Ritu Malhotra