Stress
The term “stress” refers to any reaction to a physical, mental, social, or emotional stimulus that requires a response or alteration to the way people perform, think, or feel. Stress is an unavoidable part of life. It can result from a number of causes, both physical and psychological. Some people handle stress well and it has little impact on their lives.
Others are negatively influenced by stress.
Stress can cause fatigue, chronic headaches, irritability, changes in appetite, memory loss, low self-esteem, withdrawl, tooth-grinding, cold hands, high blood pressure, shallow breathing, nervous twitches, lowered sex drive, insomnia and gastrointestinal disorders. Stress creates an environment for illness. Research suggests that 80% of all illness is the result of stress.
Stress is the common precursor to depression and anxiety.
The body responds to stress with a series of physiological reactions including increased secretion of adrenalin, elevated blood pressure, accelerated heart beat and greater tension in the muscles. The stress hormones cortisone and cortisol are released in response to stress and they are responsible for suppressing immune function. The increased production of adrenalin speeds up the metabolism and therefore increases the body’s demands for vital nutrients. Stress also inhibits nutrient absorption and can therefore result in a number of deficiencies.
Stress also results in the production of free radicals, which in turn cause more damage in the body.
Hidden signs of stress
There are many other symptoms of stress that are less well known. Here are a few, as well as tips on how to deal with them:
Visit the Stress Centre
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Others are negatively influenced by stress.
Stress can cause fatigue, chronic headaches, irritability, changes in appetite, memory loss, low self-esteem, withdrawl, tooth-grinding, cold hands, high blood pressure, shallow breathing, nervous twitches, lowered sex drive, insomnia and gastrointestinal disorders. Stress creates an environment for illness. Research suggests that 80% of all illness is the result of stress.
Stress is the common precursor to depression and anxiety.
The body responds to stress with a series of physiological reactions including increased secretion of adrenalin, elevated blood pressure, accelerated heart beat and greater tension in the muscles. The stress hormones cortisone and cortisol are released in response to stress and they are responsible for suppressing immune function. The increased production of adrenalin speeds up the metabolism and therefore increases the body’s demands for vital nutrients. Stress also inhibits nutrient absorption and can therefore result in a number of deficiencies.
Stress also results in the production of free radicals, which in turn cause more damage in the body.
- Get regular exercise.
- Exercise clears your mind and keeps stress under control.
- Learn to relax.
- Get sufficient sleep every night.
- Meditation helps people to relax and handle stress.
- Try breathing techniques. Inhale deeply through the nose and hold the breath for a few seconds before exhaling slowly through the mouth.
- Identify the causes of stress. By dealing with the cause, you can relieve the stress.
- Get a hobby
- Avoid situations that contribute to stress
Hidden signs of stress
There are many other symptoms of stress that are less well known. Here are a few, as well as tips on how to deal with them:
- Blood:stress was good for your ancestors, who needed the adrenaline to outrun tigers and cannibals. Sadly, it also causes hormones called catecholamines to make your blood thicken. Over prolonged periods it heightens your risk of heart attack.
- Sweating: another hormonal result of stress is that you sweat prolifically, especially under the arms, where the sweat is smellier than elsewhere on your body. The solution? Shower daily, use roll-on and learn to deal with stress.
- Feeling parched:the dry mouth is caused by a decrease in the flow of saliva in the mouth. It can also lead to Death Breath, or halitosis, and dental problems. Drink water, and floss and brush your teeth regularly.
- Sore muscles:when you’re stressed, your muscles contract and can end up feeling strained. The back muscles are particularly prone to this, and those in the lower back can go into spasm. You can ease the muscle pain by doing some squats, resting your arms on your knees. Hold for ten seconds.
- Stuffy and snotty: your immune system takes a pounding when you’re badly stressed (other symptoms include outbreaks of acne, psoriasis, hives and even warts). This will make you more susceptible to colds and flu. Arguably the most powerful weapon against this is exercise of the aerobic, weight-bearing sort that lasts at least half an hour, takes place at least three times a week and makes the sweat flow freely.
Visit the Stress Centre
5 mental health tips