INTRODUCTION
Yes, I bet you already know what stress is. You have certainly been under stress at one time or the other. Have you ever felt your heart pound when watching a horror or scary movie? Have you ever felt your palm getting moist in certain situations? Then you know stress affects you both physically and emotionally. Stress is a normal part of life. It is normal to express stress at one point or the other but when it becomes regular, it becomes a problem.
It is very easy to get used to stress. You don't notice how much it's affecting you even if it takes a heavy tool on you. Hence the reason I decided to call stress "the silent killer!"
Stress has a lot of health implications which will be discussed below.
WHAT HAPPENS IN YOUR BODY DURING STRESS
Your body is flooded with hormones when you have stress. These hormones are produced by the sympathetic nervous system otherwise referred to as the "fight or flight" division. This is because it prepares the body for action when you are in danger. The action could be to confront the danger (fight) or to run (flight). But the sympathetic nervous system also kicks in when you are worried about something. The body does not differentiate too well between physical and emotional threat. So you over worrying about a sick family member can make you show the same signs you would show if you were in real danger . for example, when you encounter a lion. Not likely of course. 😁😁
Which ever it is, these hormones bring about their action by increasing blood pressure, dilating the pupils, constricting the lungs, low intestinal motility to mention a few. In general, the senses become sharper and the body is ready for action. The major hormone associated with stress is cortisol, sometimes referred to as "stress hormone".
CAUSES OF STRESS
Stress is caused by many situations or events called " stressors". So a stressor is anything that causes stress. You can have stress when you worry too much about a sick friend or family, paying bills or when you have a deadline to meet.
Stress is something that can hardly be avoided in this demanding modern world. People get stressed by getting stuck in traffic, when they have financial problem or after a breakup.
Most students suffer from stress due to fear of failure or when they are not adequately prepared for an examination. Poor sleeping habit is also a major cause of stress among students. Most students do not get a good night rest.Some students get stress due to expectations from their parents. Their parents expect them to perform well in school. This may be a burden on the shoulders of the students.
" Stressful life events
According to the widely validated Holmes and Rahe stress scale, these are some of the most stressful life event for adults
- Death of spouse
- Divorce
- Job loss
- Death of a close family member
- Retirement
- Marriage
- Injury/illness"
However, it is important to know that what is stressful for one person might not be stressful for another person. For example, some people thrive when under pressure while some people can barely accomplish anything under pressure.
TYPES OF STRESS
There are two types of stress namely acute stress and chronic stress
Acute stress is the normal body's response to dangerous situations. It is hardly negative. When we are in danger, the fight or flight division kicks in. For example,.when almost hit by a vehicle.
"Acute stress is the most common form of stress. It comes from demands and pressures of the recent past and anticipated demands and pressures of the near future. Acute stress is thrilling and exciting in small doses, but too much is exhausting. A fast run down a challenging ski slope, for example, is exhilarating early in the day. That same ski run late in the day is taxing and wearing."
Chronic stress occurs when acute stress becomes persistent. It is a long term stress and it has serious implications to the health and well being of a person if not managed well.
". While acute stress can be thrilling and exciting, chronic stress is not. This is the grinding stress that wears people away day after day, year after year. Chronic stress destroys bodies, minds and lives. It wreaks havoc through long-term attrition. "
HEALTH IMPLICATIONS OF STRESS
Stress increases blood pressure by constricting the blood vessels. This may lead to abnormal high blood pressure thereby resulting to hypertension. High blood pressure makes the heart work harder and it may lead to heart problems if not properly managed.
Stress may also cause insomnia and social withdrawal. A stressed person wants to be alone. This withdrawal from people may lead to drug abuse and alcohol consumption, both of which which affects youd health in the long run. In males, stress may cause premature ejaculation or erectile dysfunction. In women , stress can cause irregular and painful period. It can also cause physical signs of menopause in women.
People suffering from stress either find themselves eating too much or eating too little. Eating too much may lead to obesity while not eating enough may lead to loss of weight.
Stress can also cause digestive problems. This is because the sympathetic nervous system decreases intestinal motility.. This can lead to digestion problems such as constipation, diarrhoea or stomach ache.
The body(liver to be precise) produce excess glucose to give a surge of energy when we are under stress.While this glucose is highly beneficial in that it provides the body with energy to take action when in danger, it is harmful in chronic stress in that it can lead to type 2 diabetes. This is because there is excess glucose in the blood. The body cannot metabolize all the glucose.
MANAGING STRESS
It is very easy to get used to stress so it's important for you to check yourself for the signs and symptoms of stress. This way, you will be able to take conscious effort to manage stress should you have it. Ways of managing stress are explained below:
*Human interaction: It is very important for you to interact with people when you are under stress. The hormones responsible for stress declines when you are interacting with people. Go out there, hang out with a couple of friends. Good company help you forgets whatever it is that is causing you to b stressed out.
*Yoga, Meditation, Massage
Yoga, meditation and massage can really calm you down and make you relax.This way, you can keep your mind off whatever it is that is causing you to be under stress . Yoga can help center your thought and suppress activities of the mind.
*Learn how to relax
This is very important. No matter how busy you are or how full your life seems to be, always take time to relax. Sometimes all you need when you are under stress is a good night rest. RELAX, RELAX and RELAX..
Exercise can also help manage stress.
CONCLUSION
Stress is a normal part of life. A little stress may be beneficial and motivate you to work harder or study harder eventually leading to you achieving your goals. Stress is what keeps you going in tough situations or when you are under pressure . Stress is what drives you to study harder rather than playing games or watching TV. But there is a point beyond which stress becomes harmful and the effect will be both on your body and mind.
Too much stress is harmful to your health. Stress cannot be avoided but careful effort has to be taken to prevent stress from becoming too much and thus causing you health problems.
This is as far as I'm going today. I will appreciate your comments and feedback.
REFERENCES
Healthline
MentalhealthAmerica
Apa
NINIHORLAH (Knower of Nothing)