Stress Effects on Health

Stress can be defined as any type of change that causes physical, emotional or psychological strain. Stress is body's response to anything that requires attention or action. Everyone experiences stress, however, makes a big difference to over-all well being. Developing a clear understanding of how stress impacts your physical and mental health is important. 

Stress can be short-term or long-term and is not easy to recognize but there are some ways to identify some signs that one might be experiencing too much pressure. If one thinks stress might be effecting, there are few things to watch for -

1. Emotional signs - such as being angry, moody, irritated or frustrated.

2. Physical signs - such as high blood pressure, changes in weight, frequent cold or infections and in body structure such as dehydration, substance abuse, hormonal imbalance, fatigue, lack of oxygen supply, pollution, intense physical labor. 

3. Psychological signs - such as difficulty in concentrating, worrying, anxiety and trouble remembering. The triggers include - self criticism, panic attacks, anxiety, attachments, jealousy, grief, anger, sadness, frustration, fear. 

4. Behavioral signs - Having no time for things one enjoy, poor self care, or relying on drugs and alcohol to cope with. 

5. Psychosocial signs - Its triggers include - isolation, loss of employment, loved ones, social support.  

Stress can trigger the body's response to a perceived threat or danger, During this reaction, certain hormones like adrenaline and cortisol are released. This speeds the heart rate, slows digestion, shunts blood flow to major muscle groups and changes various other autonomic nervous functions. 

Stress can lead to some unhealthy habits such as many people cope with stress by eating too much or by smoking. These unhealthy habits damage the body and create bigger problems in the long-term. The connection between the mind and body becomes clear when one examines the impact stress have on the life of an individual. 

Feeling stressed out over a relationship, money or living situation can create physical health issues. Serious acute stress, like being involved into a verbal altercation or natural disaster can trigger heart attacks and even sudden death. This happens mostly in individuals who already have heart disease.

Stress is not a distinct medical diagnosis and there is no single, specific treatment for it. The treatment focuses on changing the situation, developing stress coping skills, following relaxation techniques and treating symptoms or conditions that may have been caused by chronic stress. Some interventions that may be helpful include therapy, medication, complimentary and alternative medicine. Therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy which focuses on helping people identify and change negative thinking patterns, while MBSR (mindfulness- based stress reduction) utilizes meditation and mindfulness to help reduce stress levels. 

Although stress is inevitable, it can be manageable. When one understand the toll it takes on an individual, one can take charge of his health and reduce the impact stress has on his life. Steps to combat stress -

- Try to get regular exercise.

- Learn to recognize the signs of burnout.

- Practice mindfulness in your life.

- Take care of yourself like mind, body and spirit. 

In addition, one should have - Positive attitude, Acknowledge the things beyond your control, Exercise regularly, Eat healthily, Get enough sleep, Take a break and have fun. To conclude, Stress is everywhere and we have to deal with it properly. It can occur in any form in your life, so one to identify its triggers at the earliest. Doing so can help find solutions and fight stress.    

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