*WHAT IS STRESS* - Series 1
The Stress Response (also called the fight or flight
Response ) is critical during emergency situations, such as when a driver has
to slam on the brakes to avoid an accident. It can also be activated in a
milder form at a time when the pressure's on but there's no actual danger —
like stepping up to take the foul shot that could win the game, getting ready
to go to a big dance, or sitting down for a final exam. A little of this Stress
can help keep you on your toes, ready to rise to a challenge. And the nervous
system quickly returns to its normal state, standing by to respond again when
needed.
The signs and symptoms of stress overload can be almost
anything. Stress affects the mind, body, and behavior in many ways, and
everyone experiences stress differently. Not only can overwhelming stress lead
to serious Mental and physical Health problems, it can also take a toll on your
relationships at home, work, and school.
While quick Stress relievers aren't a complete Stress
Management plan in themselves, they are an excellent first line of defense
against the effects of chronic Stress . This is because they can help you turn
off your body's Stress response and respond to the stressors you face from a
calm (or calmer), more relaxed place. This helps you to more effectively deal
with what is Stress , and keep yourself healthier at the same time. Common
strategies for quick Stress relief include breathing exercises or use of humor.
Of all the types of stress, changes in health from
routine stress may be hardest to notice at first. Because the source of stress
tends to be more constant than in cases of acute or traumatic stress, the body
gets no clear signal to return to normal functioning. Over time, continued
strain on your body from routine stress may lead to serious health problems ,
such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, anxiety
disorder, and other illnesses.
People who remain happy and healthy despite many life
stresses typically have very good social support networks. Having a pet may
help reduce medical problems that are aggravated by stress, including Heart
Disease and high blood pressure. The more often we are exposed to these types of
stressors, the more overactive our fight or flight response becomes until we
find ourselves operating at fever pitch level, constantly prepared for battle,
perceiving potential threats everywhere. That is why people who are over
stressed not only show physiological symptoms such as high blood pressure ,
rapid heart rate or shallow fast breath; they can seem overly sensitive or
aggressive. Today many of us don’t take enough physical exercise to ‘burn off’
the effects of our response and we’re left with stress build up. We learn to
control our reactions, but this does not counteract the stress response.
Stress is actually a normal part of life. At times, it
serves a useful purpose. Stress can motivate you to get that promotion at work,
or run the last mile of a marathon. But if you don't get a handle on your
stress and it becomes long term, it can seriously interfere with your job,
family life, and health. More than half of Americans say they fight with
friends and loved ones because of stress, and more than 70% say they experience
real Physical and emotional Symptoms from it.
Whilst a lack of stress means your body is
under-stimulated, stress that is too intense or prolonged, causes your body to
release stress hormones over a long period. This increases the risk of a range
of physical health problems including headaches, stomach upsets and high blood
pressure. It can even increase the risk of having a stroke or heart attack.
Stress can be difficult to define because it is so
different for each of us. A good example is afforded by observing passengers on
a steep roller coaster ride . Some are hunched down in the back seats, eyes
shut, jaws clenched and white knuckled with an iron grip on the retaining bar.
They can t wait for the ride in the torture chamber to end so they can get back
on solid ground and scamper away. But up front are the wide-eyed thrill seekers,
yelling and relishing each steep plunge who race to get on the very next ride .
And in between you may find a few with an air of nonchalance that borders on
boredom. So, was the roller coaster ride stressful?
It is not only unpleasant events that can be stressful .
Almost any change in circumstances can cause stress - as we readjust. If
possible, it is wise to not have too many changes in life at the same time.
Stress is not a medical diagnosis, but severe stress that continues for a long
time may lead to a diagnosis of depression or anxiety, or more severe mental
health problems.
In the case of
Meditation, the deep rest that it provides during the practice reduces
activation of the sympathetic nervous system—which, in turn, dilates the blood
vessels and reduces stress hormones , such as adrenaline, noradrenaline, and
cortisol . This very deep rest dissolves deep rooted stress and fatigue. As a
result, it has been found that Meditation reduces day to day stress , anxiety
and depression.
Mental health issues, including Stress , Anxiety and
Depression , are the reason for one-in-five visits to a GP. Many different
things can cause stress -- from physical (such as fear of something dangerous)
to emotional (such as worry over your family or job.) Identifying what may be
causing you stress is often the first step in learning how to better deal with
your stress.That is why Stress management is so important. Stress management
gives you a range of tools to reset your alarm system. Without Stress
management, all too often your body is always on high alert. Over time, high
levels of Stress lead to serious health problems. Don t wait until Stress has a
negative impact on your health, relationships or quality of life. Start
practicing a range of Stress management techniques today.
Studies revealing the relationship between the immune
system and the central nervous system indicate that stress can alter the
function of the white blood cells involved in immune function known as
lymphocytes and macrophages. People undergoing stressful life events , such as
marital turmoil or bereavement, have a weaker lymphoproliferative response.
People in distressed marriages have also been shown to have greater decreases
in cellular immunity functioning over time when compared to those in happier
marriages.The adrenal glands are found on top of your kidneys - they secrete
epinephrine (otherwise known as adrenaline ) and other stress hormones . The
activity of your adrenal glands is crucial to your mood, energy levels and
ability to cope with stress .
Stress is not always a bad thing. Some people thrive on
stress and even need it to get things done.
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Posted by Rev.
Bola A. { 21.May.2014 – ARR}
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