The sensation of being under extreme pressure either due to increased workload, a disagreement with a family member, or financial concerns can cause stress. Stress affects us in many ways, ranging in intensity and impacting our physical and emotional health.
According to research, stress can occasionally be beneficial. In some circumstances, it improves our performance and increases our level of awareness. Stress, however, has only been shown to be advantageous when it is temporary. Long-term or excessive stress can cause mental health issues like anxiety and depression, as well as physical ailments like heart disease.
Your body triggers a stress response when you are in situations that make you feel angry or threatened. This can result in a range of physical symptoms, behavioural changes, and stronger emotional reactions. Individuals respond to stress in different ways - sweating, altered appetite, and trouble falling asleep are some typical signs of stress. These kinds of symptoms are brought on by your body, producing an excess of stress hormones, which enable you to cope with demands or dangers. This is referred to as the ‘fight or flight’ reaction. The hormones noradrenaline and adrenaline cause your heart rate to rise, your blood pressure to escalate, and your sweating to increase. Your body becomes ready for an emergency response this way.
You might consequently suffer from headaches, tense muscles, soreness, nausea, indigestion, and lightheadedness. Additionally, you can experience palpitations, rapid breathing, or a variety of aches and symptoms, and over time you might be increasing your risk of heart attacks and strokes.
These traits are passed down to us from our ancestors, who were wired to either stay and fight or flee from danger. Your stress hormone levels often return to normal when the pressure or threat has passed. But if you’re under stress all the time, these hormones stay in your body and cause stress symptoms. If by any chance you’re stuck in a crowded train or busy office, there’s no way for the chemicals that your body is producing get used up to protect you. Their accumulation and alterations over time may be harmful to your health.
The Mental And Behavioural Impacts Of Stress
Stress can cause a wide range of emotions, such as worry, impatience, or low self-esteem, which can make you distant, unsure of yourself, or cranky. There could be times when your mind is racing, you are constantly worried, or you keep thinking about the same things. Some individuals undergo behavioural changes. They might act erratically, lose their temper more readily, or become more aggressive both physically and verbally. These emotions have the potential to exacerbate one another and result in physical problems.
Recognising The Symptoms Of Stress
Everybody gets stressed. However, it’s critical to address it as soon as possible when it impacts your life, health, and general well-being. Although each person experiences stress in a unique way, there are several typical symptoms to watch out for -
• Constantly worrying or feeling anxious
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Having trouble focussing
• Experiencing mood fluctuations or shifts
• Being irritable
• Having trouble unwinding
• Depression
Stress Points
Stress can arise from a variety of circumstances. The most common of these are linked to relationships with spouses, kids, or other family members, as well as employment and financial issues. Major life events and upheavals like divorce, unemployment, relocating, and loss can induce stress, as can a string of small annoyances like feeling underappreciated at work or having a disagreement with a family member. Sometimes the causes are not readily apparent. You might consequently suffer from headaches, tense muscles, soreness, nausea, indigestion, and lightheadedness. Additionally, you can experience palpitations, rapid breathing, or a variety of aches and symptoms. You might be increasing your risk of heart attacks and strokes over time.
Stress And Relationships
When you’re under stress, relationships can help you cope with it. But occasionally, the people in your life—a spouse, parent, child, friend, or coworker—can make you feel more stressed. Your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are likely to be impacted by a variety of events, from persistent small fights and disagreements to more significant family crises like an affair, illness, or death. As a result, your stress levels can be affected. Instead, focus on making investments in wholesome partnerships.
Stress And Work-Life Balance
One of the main causes of stress is the strain of an increasingly demanding work culture. Unmanaged work-related stress has significant human costs. Your susceptibility to stress may rise if you're dissatisfied with the amount of time you spend at work, ignoring other facets of your life as a result. Burnout or more serious mental health issues may result from elevated stress levels if they are not addressed in a timely manner.
Stress, Drug And Alcohol Abuse, And Smoking
To relieve stress, some people smoke, drink, and take recreational drugs. However, this frequently exacerbates issues. According to research, smoking may heighten anxiety. The instantaneous, transient relaxation that nicotine produces might result in cravings and withdrawal symptoms. In a similar vein, people may turn to alcohol as a way to momentarily lessen their anxiety and cope with challenging emotions. However, drinking might exacerbate pre-existing mental health issues. Over time, it may cause you to feel more melancholy and anxious. It's critical to understand the suggested limits and practice responsible drinking.