What is stress and why is it dangerous?
Miscellaneous / / April 03, 2023
Stress is even useful, as long as it doesn't get too much.
What is stress
Stress is the body's response to everything that requires attention or action. Different triggers, or stressors, cause the body to experience physical, psychological and emotional stress. For these reactions answers adrenaline hormone. It is sharply released into the blood if something frightens a person. Thanks to him, the body prepares to fight or flee from danger, mobilizes its forces to cope with the threat.
So stress is a normal reaction. It can even be useful for us, because it helps us to be alert, motivated and avoid danger. For example, if you have an important test ahead of you, stress helps your body work harder and stay awake longer.
But if stress continues without periods of relaxation, it becomes a problem.
What is stress
Eat four types of stress:
- Acute stress. It does not last long and occurs, for example, if you saw a screamer in a movie or someone approached you from behind and shouted “Boo!”.
- Episodic acute stress is acute stress that occurs frequently. It appears in those who take on too much and worry about everything at once. Because of this, some kind of frightening situations constantly arise, they put pressure on them - for example, deadlines.
- Chronic stress is a very long-term tension that seems endless and inevitable. For example, due to a serious illness, an unsuccessful marriage, financial problems and other constant turmoil.
- Eustress is what we experience during extreme sports. That is, this is a pleasant, exciting, nerve-wracking feeling when you fly skiing down a mountain or ride a motorcycle.
How the body reacts to stress
The body's autonomic nervous system regulates heart rate, respiration, changes in vision, and more. Usually in response to the release of adrenaline going on following:
- heartbeat quickens;
- breathing becomes more frequent and shallow;
- digestion slows down because blood flows to the muscles;
- vigilance is increased.
This built-in response helps the body deal with emergencies.
What are the signs that stress has become too much
Too much and prolonged stress overloads the body, negative effects appear. Sometimes it is not immediately possible to understand that these changes are caused by a psychological condition, and not some kind of bodily disease.
Signs of stress may be:
- bowel problems, such as constipation or diarrhea;
- digestive problems, such as indigestion, heaviness in the stomach, gas;
- memory impairment;
- frequent headaches;
- fatigue;
- loss of concentration;
- panic attacks;
- sexual problems;
- tension in the jaws and neck, grinding of teeth;
- insomnia or, on the contrary, very strong drowsiness;
- weight loss or gain;
- menstrual disorder;
- abuse of alcohol or illegal substances in an attempt to relax;
- compulsive, that is, uncontrolled shopping, porn viewing and masturbation;
- too much passion for computer or gambling.
What is the danger of constant stress
When a person experiences constant stress, his autonomic nervous system is in a state of hyperactivity, even when there is no danger. This forces the body to work hard. That's why may develop diseases such as:
- diabetes;
- alopecia, or hair loss;
- diseases of the heart and blood vessels;
- hyperthyroidism;
- obesity;
- erectile disfunction And premature ejaculation;
- diseases of the teeth and gums;
- depressive and anxiety disorders;
- acne and eczema;
- ulcers of the stomach and duodenum.
How to help yourself deal with stress
You can't avoid stress, but you can prevent the tension from becoming too much. If you feel like the stress is more than you can handle, try:
- Breathe deeply and slowly when you feel like you are experiencing too much emotion.
- Move. For some, a trip to the gym is suitable, and for others, a simple walk.
- Relax. You can be helped by yoga, meditation, breathing exercises and any other. You can work out offline in fitness clubs and community centers and online using apps.
- Learn to recognize the triggers that put you in a stressful state in order to avoid such situations whenever possible.
- Take care of your body, that is, to observe a sleep schedule, eat right, give up bad habits - a healthy lifestyle increases resistance to stress.
- Accept that you cannot control everything. Try to find a way to not waste time thinking about things you can't change.
- Celebrate the good things that happen in your life every day, even the little things.
- When debriefing, focus on what has been done, not on what has not.
- Set goals for the day, week, month. Step-by-step planning helps you better control current and long-term tasks, instead of trying to embrace the immensity.
- Saying “no” to extra responsibilities when too busy, tired, or stressed. And generally refuse to do what you do not want if you do not need it.
- Do not close yourself from loved ones, stay in touch with those who support you and help you feel better.
- Talk to a psychologist or therapist about what is bothering you.
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