You probably have an idea of what stress is, and you probably already know that you’d prefer to live without it. While there is good stress (the kind that motivates us and keeps us involved in positive activities), most people use the term to refer to negative stress, which can come from many sources. Being overworked, having trouble in a relationship, losing a job or loved one, having financial trouble, being physically ill, and having chronic emotional problems are just a few of the things that can cause us to feel stressed.
Why is stress a problem?
Obviously it causes discomfort, but its effects on your body may be farther reaching than you think. When you’re under stress, your body reacts by releasing the hormones cortisol, adrenaline, and norephinephrine. Their job is to get your body ready for action; you’ve probably heard this referred to as the “fight or flight” response.
The rush of fear or anxiety that you feel when you’re under stress is caused by the release of adrenaline, which gives you a boost of energy to handle whatever is threatening you. Norephinephrine has a similar role, directing blood flow to your muscles and away from other areas where it’s usually needed, and cortisol also helps the body focus while temporarily depressing the action of systems that may not be vital at that moment (like your immune system, reproductive system and digestive system). All of this works wonderfully when it is acute (think saber-tooth tiger chasing you), however our bodies are not meant to operate with a constant release of hormones, and that’s exactly what happens when you face multiple sources of stress over a long period of time.
What happens when stress is chronic?
If you are often under stress, the cascade of hormones can lead to imbalances in the body. Rather than temporarily suppressing the action of other important systems, those systems are basically disabled or turned off. The result can be a host of problems, including high blood pressure, digestive problems, lowered immunity, decreased energy, blood sugar imbalances, and many other short term and long term problems.
Stress and Health
Not only does it affect health by interfering with the way your body is built to function, but it’s also a good bet that you’re not doing your best to stay healthy when you’re under stress. You probably find it harder to find the time to exercise or shop for and cook healthy meals. It may also keep you from getting enough sleep or spending enough quality time with family and friends.
What can you do about stress?
What you do about the it in your life depends on your unique circumstances, including the ability to identify the source (or sources) of the stress you experience. Once you know why you are stressed, you can decide to take action by learning some management strategies and incorporating those strategies into your life. The important thing is to not let management be another source of stress! Start small, perhaps by making a few changes to your diet or taking a yoga class, and then, when you’re ready, you can implement more ways to reduce your stress level and improve your health and quality of life.
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