How does stress affect the body?
February 17, 2023 2023-03-10 18:00How does stress affect the body?
Stress is an extremely important and well-adapted evolutionary response that allows animals to survive unexpected threats. Stress causes all animals to release hormones
such as adrenaline and glucocorticoids, which increase heart rate and energy levels instantly. The body also turns off all non-essential functions such as digestion, growth, and reproduction at this time. This is a normal reaction to a sudden stressor. We face a lot of non-life-threatening stressors, such as worrying about money, pleasing
our boss, or working long hours on a regular basis. These situations happen every day, and our bodies react to them, in the same way, the same way they would to a life-
threatening stressor. This can have severe repercussions on a person's health and well-being. The constant stress in our lives, according to neuroscientist Robert Sapolsky, is primarily caused by psychosocial stimuli.
The following are some of the bodily functions that are harmed by chronic and repetitive psychological stress:
- Adult diabetes and high blood pressure can lead to heart disease.
- Gastrointestinal disorders can have a negative impact on the immune system.
- Some people's reproductive systems may be affected, resulting in erectile dysfunction or irregular menstrual cycles.
- Stress has an effect on the areas of our brain that aid in memory, learning, and judgment. As a result, when stressed, these areas tend to perform poorly.
- Psychological stress can have an impact on children's physical and mental development.
- While some hormones are increased during the stress response, the production of
others, such as serotonin, is reduced. This can lead to depression or other mental
health problems in the long run.
It is critical to remember that the aforementioned health issues are caused by chronic repetitive stress that an individual has not addressed at an earlier stage. Stress and anxiety are common, and these emotions should not discourage a person. People frequently develop unhealthy coping mechanisms like substance abuse, excessive spending, or binge eating.
Consider The Following Alternative Stress Coping Mechanisms
1. Physical activity and exercise:
Improves blood circulation, regulates breathing, and increases oxygen levels in the blood, which improves brain function, calms the nervous system, cleanses the lungs, and promotes quality sleep.
2. Relaxation Activities
Spending time in nature, journaling, aromatherapy, or yoga can all be beneficial. Journaling, for example, allows you to reflect on and process your emotions. It can significantly improve your well-being and life satisfaction.
3. Setting goals
Prioritizing is a great way to avoid unnecessary stress. Examine your schedule, responsibilities, and daily tasks and eliminate those that are not critical or urgent.
4. Hobbies
Make time to do things you enjoy, such as visiting with friends, spending time with family, listening to music, painting, or cooking.
Although we cannot change the amount of stress we experience in an instant, we can learn to cope with its negative effects in a healthy way. It is beneficial to incorporate some of the above activities into your daily routine to combat the constant presence of stress. Making them a part of your daily routine will help you manage and regulate your overwhelming emotions. Managing stress can be difficult at first, but it becomes easier with practice.
