There are many examples in nature that demonstrate how times of great stress can be signals for growth. For example, this footage of this baby’s first few seconds in this world can serve as a reminder of the significant role periods of stress can have on our overall growth and expansion as human beings. Birth is a very stressful time for babies, they are expected to cry within the first minute – forcing them to expand their lungs for the first time in order to remove amniotic fluid from their airways and nasal passages. The stress of birth also helps a newborn’s lungs develop by stimulating the stem cells (type II pneumocytes) of his or her lungs via a surge of the stress hormone, cortisol.
Without adequate amounts of stress and cortisol, the baby is at higher risk of suffering from under-developed lungs and respiratory distress. This phenomenon has subsequently lead to the belief that stress plays an integral role during the process of birth and for sustaining life in general. If we choose to adapt this analogy and apply it to our perceptions of our greatest daily stressors, such as work, school, relationships, emotional, psychological and / or physical stress, we can begin to understand how these moments can serve as signals for personal growth. This process can allow us to grow through adversity the same way a baby’s lungs naturally grow stronger through the stress of birth. These concepts support the belief that we are all meant to experience the beauty that lies within every experience – both the good and the bad – while also trusting the wisdom that lies in our discomfort, for it may be essential to birthing a newer and better version of ourselves.
With this in our minds, let’s make the intention to embrace all the challenges we may be faced with this week!
Written By Student Doctor: Navpreet Singh Badesha
©04/09/2018 All Rights Reserved.
Video credit: @drfetus (on Instagram)
