Stress. What a word, right? How many times do we hear it on a daily basis? How many times do we in fact ‘feel’ it on a daily basis – especially nowadays? Stress is defined as emotional or physical tension, caused by a specific event, person, thought, or any other factor. It makes the person angry, frustrated, nervous, and dissatisfied.
Sometimes, people feel stressed over simple matters, such as an exam, meeting the deadline of a project, or being late to an important meeting. This feeling doesn’t last long and ends as soon as the event finishes. However, there are other cases that can make stress last longer, and therefore impact human health in great ways.
It is important to note that stress is a very normal feeling, and it occurs regularly. When a person faces any form of ‘life stressor’, they are likely to feel stressed, and their body reacts to this feeling accordingly.
TYPES OF STRESS
There are two important types of stress which can be diagnosed:
- Acute Stress: It is a short-term type of stress, and it is normal and common. Whenever a person feels it, it will likely go away in just a small period of time. For example, when a person fights with their partner, they feel stressed. When a person is driving and almost hits a cat passing by, they feel stressed. It mainly helps the person in managing difficult and dangerous situations.
- Chronic Stress: It is a long-term type of stress. It is likely felt when a person is facing difficult problems, such as a failed marriage, financial issues, or sickness in the family. If the feeling lasts more than a week, then it is called ‘chronic stress’. This type should be managed quickly before it turns into a serious health issue.
SYMPTOMS OF STRESS
What happens to the human body when it faces stress?
The body’s nervous system produces instant reactions to stress; it might impact the person’s vision, heart rate, breathing, or more. But, some physical symptoms might show that the person is undergoing ‘too much stress’, such as:
Aches in several parts of the body, like the head, chest, or muscles.
- Dizziness or shaking.
- Exhaustion and insomnia.
- Digestive problems.
- High blood pressure.
- Upset stomach.
- When the problem becomes too serious, stress impacts mental health and leads to:
- Anxiety.
- Depression.
- Panic attacks.
STRESS DIAGNOSIS
Unfortunately, there are no medical tests that can be done to determine whether or not the person is suffering from stress. It all depends on the previously mentioned symptoms that can prove the diagnosis. A mental professional or healthcare provider can run a questionnaire in order to check the seriousness of the situation and then provide solutions accordingly.
STRESS PREVENTION
Many simple strategies can be followed in order to prevent stress or make it somehow go away. Some daily exercises can help the person feel better and literally ‘shake the stress away. What are some of these techniques?
Any form of workout can make the person feel better. Going on a walk can instantly boost the mood, doing some weightlifting can push the stress out of the person’s system, a quick Zumba session can let all the negative energy out. Even relaxation activities are very helpful when it comes to stress, such as meditation, yoga or simply stretching.
- Writing down accomplishments at the end of the day has to be a great way to make the person feel better. Thinking about all the great things that the person has done makes them relieved and satisfied, which quickly pushes bad thoughts away.
- A stressed person should always surround themselves with people who care about them, who show them emotional support, and who deeply love them. A simple hug from these people can make things better.
- Contacting a therapist is a very effective way to help with stress. Therapists provide clear and organized treatments that can help a person overcome their bad thoughts and feelings, which is a step closer towards stress prevention.
We can go on and on about stress and start a never-ending talk about its dangerous effects. Everyone faces stress. With everything going on around us, it is understandable to feel it and embrace it. But we shouldn’t let it control us, nor impact our overall health. Everything is fixable. All it takes is awareness and determination.
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