The Effects of Stress on the Body

When we experience challenges that push our body and mind outside it’s current capabilities, we experience stress and the physical effects of stress on the body. While the term stress often has negative connotations, it is a necessary component of growth and positive physical and psychological change. The human body is designed to adapt and strengthen it’s resistance to environmental stressors (exercise, mental challenges) in order to be able to handle similar situations as when they arise in the future.

There are two main types of stress: eustress (good stress) and distress (bad stress). Stress that challenges the body to adapt and strengthen itself is known as eustress.  When stress is experienced for extended periods of time without the body adapting to the challenges is known as distress and can result in negative health implications.

Prolonged distress can lead to health problems like: increased blood pressure, chest pain, upset stomach, and problems sleeping. These problems are further complicated when people try to use alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs to alleviate their physical symptoms of stress because, while the provide temporary psychological relief, they put additional stress on the body only compounding the physical ramifications.

Dealing with stress, whether it by eustress or distress, takes energy. Whereas eustress usually increases our energy levels and physical capabilities, distress does not - leaving people suffering from prolonged distress fatigued, lethargic, and oftentimes depressed.

So what can be done to relieve stress?

The first object is to identify the source of the stress.  Is it diet, environment, a particular relationship or relationships, work, or some other influential factor? Once the source is identified, we need to find a proactive way to shift our behavior or lifestyle choices in order to minimize or eliminate that stressor.

But what if your stressor is not something that can be eliminated?  Then what can you do?

As is often the case with individuals in the workplace, many of us may feel stressed or unhappy with our chosen professions but unable to quit or change jobs due to the financial implications. When this is the case, it is important to find physical, social, and psychological activities outside the workplace that release stress.  Activities such as medication, exercise, yoga, deep breathing exercises, sex, and social activities with friends and family are all great ways to reduce stress.

If you’re truly unhappy with your job and it is having a negative impact on your physical and psychological health, come up with a game plan for how you will improve your situation. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to start your own business.  Come up with a timeline that will allow you to work on your new business nights and weekends while you continue to work the job that pays the bills.  At least then you’ll be motivated knowing that you’re doing something to improve your situation in the future as opposed to feeling like a helpless prisoner of your own profession.

Related Articles:

Overcome Anxiety and Depression with The Best-Selling Natural Anxiety and Mood Support Supplement on the Market. For the latest health news and information Follow Us on Twitter.

Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress.

Share and Enjoy:
  • Print this article!
  • Digg
  • Sphinn
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Mixx
  • Google Bookmarks

Technorati Tags: ,

  • Share/Save/Bookmark

Related posts:

  1. Anxiety disorder and the effects of stress on the body Having chr
  2. Stress and Your Body: Psychology of Stress The physic
  3. the effects of stress on my body and mind is it real? or is all
  4. stress effects on the body.? what are t
  5. What Are The Negative Effects of Disbelief Upon The Human Body? What Are T

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Leave a Reply