I’m pretty sure that like me, you too have come across the phenomenon of stress and anxiety. A big interview, an exam, or any other factor may cause us this. And to be honest, when experienced in small doses, that can really push us to bring our best game forward.
It motivates us and helps us to perform in the best way under pressure.
But sometimes, stress can be felt like a constant state of mind and that is very unhealthy for our body as well as the brain. I hope you can understand it better and find out ways to manage it after reading this article.
What is Stress?
To understand what stress is, you first have to understand how amazing our body is. Our body has an intrinsic ‘fight-or-flight’ response to situations that it perceives as dangerous, threatening, or too demanding.
It is the reaction of our body to situations and scenarios that we believe are harmful. As a result, a chemical reaction occurs in our body that causes our heart rate to rise, breathing to quicken, muscles to tighten, and blood pressure to increase. It prepares our body to react for protecting itself.
Types of Stress
These can be classified into two types: Acute and Chronic
Acute Stress
Acute stress is completely natural and normal. It is short-term in duration and goes away on its own. It is the feeling you get when you lose your keys, hit the brakes too hard, have an exam, have a fight with your partner, etc.
Chronic Stress
Chronic stress has had a long duration, sometimes weeks and months. It can be caused by constant money problems, a bad marriage, a difficult job, etc. The dangerous part about this type is that you can get used to it and live with it without recognizing it.
This state of constant alertness can cause health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, depression, and skin problems.
It is therefore very important that you first recognize stress and then manage it to live life to the fullest.
Stress Symptoms
Stress can become a constant state of mind, which makes it almost impossible to recognize. Over time we become so used to it’s feeling that it becomes a new ‘normal’. That is why it is important that you are at least familiar with general and most common symptoms to better identify it.
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
How Fasting Can Help You Live a Better and Healthy Life?
WARM-UP: Do You Really Need It? This Will Help You Decide!
Stress causes both a physical and mental toll on our bodies. It can cause symptoms such as:
Emotional Symptoms
- Generally feeling unhappy or depressed
- Moodiness, Anger, and Irritability
- Loneliness and Insecure
- Anxiety and Distress
Physical Symptoms
- Loss of sex drive
- Frequent episodes of cold, Flu, Diarrhea and/or Constipation
- Aches, Nausea, and Dizziness
- Rapid heart rate and Chest pain
Behavioral Symptoms
- Loss of appetite or Insatiable hunger
- Loss of sleep or Sleeping too much
- Procrastination
- Alcohol or Drug abuse
Cognitive Symptoms
- Trouble remembering things
- Poor judgment and Trouble concentrating
- Constantly being worried and anxious
- A negative approach to everything in life
Stress Management
Good thing is that you can manage the stress to better cope with the symptoms. Some of the ways to manage are:
1. Exercise
Physical workout and exercise can do wonders in helping you cope with stress. Not only does it take your mind off of things, accomplishing your daily exercise goal can be a mood improver. Exercise also releases a happy hormone that can help you deal with things better.
2. Sleeping Habits
A well-rested mind is at a better position to deal with daily anxieties of life and for that optimum sleep is crucial. Although stress can make it hard for you to fall asleep, you should aim at relaxing techniques rather than medication and try to get sufficient sleep at night time.
3. Talking it out
Talking to someone you know about what’s been bothering you can be a great way to cope with problems, and it can also help in stress management.
4. Keeping a Diary
Usually, stress is caused by issues or problems in our life. One of the ways of its management involves writing down what’s bothering you in a diary along with a number of possible solutions. Writing can also help you clear your head and help you find solutions.
5. Breathing and Relaxation
Meditation, Breathing, and Yoga can prove to be wonderful tools for stress management. Breathing is a great way to relax your mind and calm down.
Conclusion
Stress is a normal part of life but sometimes it can become a constant part of life and that is worrisome. We all should be aware of the general symptoms of it to recognize and nip this problem at the bud.
I suggest you exercise and follow a healthy diet routine all your lives to manage acute as well as chronic stress.
If you enjoyed this post, kindly help it spread. Thanks!
