Stress
From WikiBody - The Owner's Manual For Your Body
Stress is the total effect on your body when you react to emotional and physical demands. These demands are called stressors. Stressors can be real or imagined, although the exact definition of a stressor is subject to some debate.
Different stressors have different effects on different people. For example, some people find roller coaster rides to be stressful, others find it fun. However, certain events are commonly considered stressful, as defined in the Holmes Rahe Stress Scale.
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[edit] Is Something Stressing You Out?
When you are stressed, your heart beats faster, muscles tighten up, blood pressure goes up, breathing quickens, and your senses become sharper. If you have an ongoing problem, such as unemployment or a long divorce, you may find that your mind keeps returning to that problem. In general, the stress response helps you meet challenges by focusing your body and mind. However, too much stress can cause damage to your health.
[edit] Effects of Chronic Stress
The stress response causes your body to divert energy from its normal functions, such as the immune system. You should try to avoid chronic stress as much as possible. Chronic stress can cause or exacerbate:
- Depression
- Obesity
- Sleep Problems
- Increased Sickness and Autoimmune diseases
- Digestive Problems
- Skin Problems
The more stressed you are, the more likely you are to get sick. Certain life events, such as the death of a spouse, are more stressful than others, such as a change in eating habits.
[edit] How to Manage Stress
First, try to find ways to reduce and eliminate stress from your life. For example, if your morning commute is stressful, consider alternate routes, other methods of transportation, working from home one day per week, etc.
Second, be a good coper. You'll be able to cope with stress better if:
- You have a strong support network of friends and family. Can you call on them for help? (And can they call upon you?)
- You have confidence and a sense of control. Avoid adopting the mindset of a victim; adopt the mindset of someone who can take charge of their situation.
- Keep an optimistic attitude. Try to embrace the challenge and rise to a higher level of living.
- You can control your emotions. Learn to recognize when your emotions get the better of you, and take steps to manage them. Some people spend time with friends, work on a hobby, or go to the movies in order to get their emotions back into balance.
- You do your homework. If you're starting a new job, or you have your first kid, do as much research and learning as possible so that you feel prepared for the challenge.
Finally, find ways to relieve stress. The following are known to be effective stress relievers:
