Stress is the adverse body’s reaction to any change that requires a physical, mental or emotional adjustment or response. It is also the reaction to excessive pressure. Stress is an inseparable part of life. A lot of events that happen to you and in your surrounding – as well as a lot of things that you do to yourself – result in the feeling of stress. A little amount of stress can be good for you. It keeps you attentive, motivated and ready to avoid perils. But excessive stress can make you ill.
How Stress Affects Our Health?
The autonomic nervous system of the body has a built-in stress response that leads to physiological modifications to allow the body to fight with some stressful situations. This stress response, also called the "fight or flight response," is activated in case of an emergency. Nevertheless, this response may become persistently activated throughout prolonged periods of stress, which may result in wear and tear on the body - both physical and emotional.
Stress that persists without any relief for a longer time can bring about a condition called distress - a negative stress reaction. Distress may disturb the body’s internal balance or equilibrium, which in turn can result in physical symptoms such as: headaches, an upset stomach, increased blood pressure, chest pain, sexual dysfunction, and problems sleeping. Emotional problems may also be the consequence of distress. These problems include: depression, panic and anxiety attacks, or other forms of anxiety and worry. Studies indicate that stress may also lead to or worsen particular symptoms or diseases. Stress is associated with six of the major causes of death: heart disease, cancer, lung ailments, accidents, cirrhosis of the liver, and suicide.
Stress also turns out to be harmful when people engage in the obsessive use of substances or behaviors in order to try to alleviate their stress. Both these substances and behaviors may include food, alcohol, tobacco, drugs, gambling, sex, shopping, and the Internet. Instead of alleviating the stress and returning the body to a state of relaxation, these substances and obsessive behaviors usually keep the body in a stressed state, which leads to more problems. The upset person becomes trapped in a vicious circle.
The Most Warning Symptoms and Signs of Stress?
Constant stress can considerably reduce the body’s natural defenses, which can result in a variety of physical symptoms, such as:
* Dizziness or an overall feeling of "being out of it"
* Overall aches and pains
* Grinding teeth, clenched jaw
* Headaches
* Indigestion or acid reflux symptoms
* Constant loss of appetite
* Muscle tension in neck, face or shoulders
* Sleeping difficulties
* Racing heart
* Cold and sweaty palms
* Fatigue, exhaustion
* Trembling/shaking
* Weight gain or weight loss
* Upset stomach, diarrhea
* Sexual problems
Tips for Reducing Stress
People are able to learn how to manage stress and lead happier, healthier lives. Below you can find several tips to help you keep stress at bay.
* Keep a positive attitude.
* Accept the fact that there are events that are out of your control.
* Be assertive instead of aggressive. Emphasize your feelings, opinions, or beliefs instead of becoming furious, defensive, or passive.
* Learn and practice relaxation techniques; try meditation, yoga, or tai-chi.
* Have a regular exercise. Your body is able to fight stress more effectively when it is fit.
* Eat healthy, well-balanced diet.
* Learn to manage your time more effectively.
* Set limits properly and say no to requests that would bring about excessive stress in your life.
* Find some time for your hobbies and interests.
* Make sure you rest and sleep enough. Your body needs time to get better after stressful events.
* Don’t rely on alcohol, drugs, or obsessive behaviors to decrease stress.
* Look for social support. Spend as much time as possible with people you love.
* Ask for professional treatment with a psychologist or other mental health specialist trained in stress management or biofeedback techniques in order to learn more healthy possibilities of coping with the stress in your life.
