Digital Stress Thermometer
Dr. Lowenstein’s Stress Thermometer lets you see changes in hand temperature which is a reflection of your blood flow and a measure of your stress response. When a person is stressed, tiny blood vessels under the skin constrict and blood flow is redirected to the major organs and muscle groups. This is why your hands and feet feel cold when you are under stress. The opposite happens when you are relaxed as the tiny blood vessels under your skin dilate and the blood flows to your hands and fingers. This is why your hands and fingers feel warm when you are relaxed and cold when you are stressed. The Stress Thermometer gauges your baseline temperature and stress level and monitors any changes in stress level based on temperature. This is all thanks to the body’s flight-or-fight response that reduces and increases blood circulation in the hands based on human stress levels. Relaxation Exercise: Breathing from your lower diaphragm and not your upper lungs, inhale fully through your nose. Hold your breath for a moment, and exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat, aiming for 6-12 breaths per minute. Watch your temperature increase as you relax. Long-Term Goals: – To consistently raise your temperature to 95°F (35°C) or higher; to hold that temperature throughout your training session. – To develop the ability to recognize subtle changes in your hand temperature throughout the day, without the aid of the Stress Thermometer. – To develop the skill to increase your hand temperature in the middle of stressful situations.
