What is Stress? Stress is the body’s reaction to pressure. Many different life events or circumstances may cause stress. It is most often triggered when something new, surprising or threatens feeling of helplessness, or when we feel have very little control over an event. Stress is our body’s way of dealing with the tension and concern associated with any potentially threatening situation. It is our body preparing for action.
There are many different kinds of stressors; some of the major ones are; financial problems, job loss, health challenges, death of a loved one, marriage problems, relationship problems, etc. Most of these are long-term stressors; meaning that they have been going on for more than 60 days. The major causes are; job loss, divorce, separation, and moving to a new location.
Stress is good for us because it keeps us motivated to do the things we need and want to do. It helps us to stay focused and positive. Many people say that if they could only go back in time to when they first started to feel anxious, depressed, and stressed, they might be able to make some positive changes. One of the best things you can do to reduce your stress levels is to make sure you get enough sleep each night.
Some of the most popular stress management techniques include yoga, exercise, hypnosis, meditation, and relaxation techniques. Some of these can work for some people, while others won’t help at all. The key thing is to find what works for you and your lifestyle. Yoga and exercise for stress can benefit those who like them, while meditation and relaxation techniques can benefit those who hate them.
Some of the symptoms of stress are feeling overwhelmed, feeling overworked and mentally fatigued, being easily angered, depressed, and lacking in motivation. When you have an intense feeling of worry and anxiety, it is also called stress. The physical symptoms that come with stress are headaches, sore muscles, stomach pain, high blood pressure, sweating, and fast heart rate. If you are feeling overwhelmed, then you may also experience chest pains, difficulty breathing, an irregular heartbeat, and numbness in your hands and feet.
Stress causes the body to change, which changes the chemical and neurological makeup of the body. Stress changes the way our body reacts to common situations that normally don’t affect us. When the body is stressed, it releases chemicals such as cortisol and other hormones. This usually leads to the feeling of having run down muscles, lack of sleep, irritability, heart palpitations, and a depressed mood.
Aside from the physical effects of stress, there is also a negative impact on the way we think and our emotions. According to the Emotional Intelligence Society, stress is one of the factors that can lead to poor personal relationships, diminished work performance, and poor academic performance. People who are continually under stress are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, memory loss, and even substance abuse. These negative impacts not only have biological effects but also behavioral and environmental implications.
If you are experiencing a series of warning signs, it may be time for you to consider a professional diagnosis and treatment. If you are not sure if you are overwhelmed or suffering from stress, you should schedule a visit with your physician to test for these symptoms. Your physician can tell you whether stress is contributing to your negative behaviors or if you are simply in denial. In some cases, he or she may advise you to see a therapist who will be able to help you determine whether or not stress is impacting your life.