Stress is a normal reaction that normally occurs when a person is being overwhelmed or unable to cope with mental or emotional pressure. Stress is a feeling of emotional or physical tension. It’s the human body’s initial reaction to a challenge or a demand. Stress can sometimes be either bad or good depending on the severity as stress causes the body to release certain hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline that give the right amount of push. These particular hormones can help alert the body to take action and to be more productive. As opposed to this, stress can sometimes also be a feeling that can result in being rattled without being able to finish certain tasks at all. Stress can stem from thoughts or events that come from being frustrated, angry, sad, or nervous. All these factors can specifically come from situation wherein there is danger involved, are even simple tasks such as school deadlines, work deadlines, exams, sporting events, or even relationship problems.
There are two kinds of stress:
- Acute Stress: The word acute means characterized by sharpness or severity of sudden onset acute pain. Short-lived feelings of stress are a normal part of everyday life. Acute stress reaction stems from the symptoms that occur during or right after a certain stressful event. Acute stress is considered to be the least damaging form of stress, which can sometimes be a good thing because it puts the individual in check, and the right amount of pressure can be considered as a push to meet goals and complete tasks. Acute stress is not at all threatening to one’s health as it can easily be managed and get over with. Acute stress can sometimes be relieved through basic relaxation techniques that can be found in this list, and the stressors can oftentimes be much easier to identify.
- Chronic Stress: The word chronic in the context of illnesses refers to a continuous, or persisting illness that can reoccur constantly. Some symptoms of chronic stress include agitation, nervousness, tensions, a higher blood pressure and sometimes even chest pain. Chronic stress can sometimes even lead to anxiety. This kind of stress is linked to several psychological and physical illnesses such as hypertension, obesity, addiction to alcohol and narcotics, and mental health disorders. Chronic Stress can exhibit a feeling of constant draining of a person’s psychological resources and in the long run even damages one’s brain and body, which leads to people with chronic stress getting the feeling of them being incapable of changing their current situation or mindset.
What Causes Stress?
Experiencing stress is quite normal. Everyone can experience the feeling of being stressed. However, in terms of stress triggers, it might not be the same for everyone. According to surveys conducted, work stress is on the top of the list. Wherein a whopping 40% of workers admit to feeling stressed in the workplace.
Anything can be stressful to anyone, depending on the person. To some people, working long hours can already be stressful. Other examples of causes of stress are emotional problems, mental health problems, or even illnesses.
Stress does not only stem from external factors, but also internal factors as well. Such as, fear, uncertainty, perception, expectations, and change. Stress levels differ from one person’s personality and how they respond to a situation.
Stress Affects your Health
If a person is constantly under stress, physical symptoms may arise. Common effects are headaches, high blood pressure, chest pains, and problems with sleep. Stress normally isn’t just the problem, but how a person responds to it.
Stress can also lead to serious emotional problems such as anxiety, depression, angry outburst and social withdrawal, which is a very serious issue when trying to live a healthy life.
Chronic or long-term stress can lead to more serious health conditions such as heart disease, heartburn, heart attacks, weight gain or weight loss, and even fertility problems.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms right now, make sure to visit your nearest physician as soon as possible to prevent further negative effects.
Coping up with Stress
Stress is different for everyone and each person has a different way of dealing with it. Listed below are some examples on how to relieve stress. Although this does not work for everyone, it can surely help in making you feel better.
- Unwind: Think of some fun activities you enjoy. Like sports, playing games, taking a walk, exercising, or even spending time at the beach. Should you find yourself wanting to unwind, you can checkout these world’s best spa wellness retreats on Slingo.com. Activities like these can help with calming your mind.
- Take a break from Social Media: The constant pressure of being watched and being seen by people can be really stressful for some people. Disconnecting from technology every once in a while can help you see your true self and find peace within.
- Work on your body: Start trying to live healthy. Meditate, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, eat healthy and well-balanced meals and avoid vices such as liquor, smoking, and substance use.
- Be a part of a community: Being with people with the same interests as you can provide a sense of belonging, understanding and fulfillment. Spend time with reliable people wherein you can share your problems and how you are feeling and coping up with certain events.
- Consider Supplements: Vitamins and minerals play an important role in terms of response to stress and the body’s regulation of mood. The ability to cope with stress can be diminished with particular deficiencies. The body’s magnesium levels are usually very low when chronically stressed and taking supplements such as magnesium, B vitamins and L-theanine, according to studies, have been shown to help reduce stress significantly.
- Know when you need help: Coping up with stress is different for everyone and if doing certain activities and talking to certain people does not work and if problems still continue, make sure to talk to your doctor, psychologist, social worker, or professional counselor.
During times of extreme stress, people may have thoughts of suicide. Suicide is preventable and help is accessible. Individual, relationship, community, and societal factors may influence the risk of suicide. If you or someone you know are having thoughts regarding this, always make sure to call a medical professional immediately.
