What is stress?

Stress is a normal reaction the body has when changes occur, resulting in physical, emotional and intellectual responses.

We all experience stress at points in our lives.

Stress is a normal human reaction that happens to everyone. In fact, the human body is designed to experience stress and react to it. When you experience changes or challenges (stressors), your body produces physical and mental responses. That’s stress.

Stress responses help your body adjust to new situations. Stress can be positive, keeping us alert, motivated and ready to avoid danger.
For example, if you have an important exam or interview coming up, a stress response might help your body work harder and stay awake longer, find answers to questions you may be asked But stress becomes a problem when stressors continue without relief or periods of relaxation.

What happens to the body during stress?

The body’s autonomic nervous system controls your heart rate, breathing, vision changes and more. Its built-in stress response, the “fight-or-flight response,” helps the body face stressful situations.

When a person has long-term (chronic) stress, continued activation of the stress response causes wear and tear on the body. Physical, emotional and behavioral symptoms develop.

Some Physical symptoms of stress include:

• Un explained Aches and pains.
• Chest pain or a feeling like your heart is racing. Tightness in the chest -Exhaustion or trouble sleeping.
• Headaches, dizziness or shaking.
• High blood pressure.
• Lack of focus or concentration
• Muscle tension or jaw clenching.
• Stomach or digestive problems.
• Trouble having sex.
• Weak immune system.

Stress can lead to emotional and mental symptoms like:

• Anxiety or irritability.
• Depression.
• Panic attacks.
• Sadness.
• Depression

Often, people with chronic stress try to manage it with unhealthy behaviors, including:

• Drinking too much or too often.
• Gambling.
• Overeating or developing an eating disorder.
• Participating compulsively in sex, shopping or internet browsing.
• Smoking.
• Using drugs
• Self harming

Here are some strategies for stress relief.

You can’t avoid stress, but you can stop it from becoming overwhelming by practicing some daily strategies:

• Exercise when you feel symptoms of stress coming on. Even a short walk can boost your mood.
• At the end of each day, take a moment to think about what you’ve accomplished — not what you didn’t get done.
• Set goals for your day, week and month. Narrowing your view will help you feel more in control of the moment and long-term tasks.
• Consider talking to a therapist or a member of the clergy about your worries.
• Fave a Massage, or Reiki session to help reduce the effects on the body.
• Take time out
• Spend some time in nature

Julie Lomas

© 2022 crystalwind.ca. All rights reserved.

Whatsapp

Liked this article? Dive deeper into personal growth and wellness! Check out CrystalWind.ca for spiritual wisdom or explore AromaWorx.ca for natural well-being tips. Spread the positivity—share this with friends on their happiness journey!

Let’s Chat! Drop Your Thoughts Below!