Stress is a normal part of life. Everyone experiences stress at some time or another. Students experience stress when they have an exam. Adults experience stress in the workplace or in a relationship. Even young children can experience stress when something new and difficult occurs. A little bit of stress is sometimes helpful. It can divide us to do better. But too much stress can damage both the mind and the body.
In this blog, we will know how stress impacts our body and mind, and how we should control it.
Read more: Why Do People Dream of Flying and Falling?
What is Stress?
Stress is the feeling we have when we are under pressure or a challenge. Stress is a normal response from our bodies. Also, stress happens when we release the hormone cortisol into our body. The hormone helps us get ready for the problem being faced. This is what is known as the fight or flight response.
In the past, this response was useful when people had to fight off wild animals or run for their lives. However, today most of our issues aren’t physical. Most of our challenges are mental or emotional issues such as exams, work, or relationship issues. Even with challenges not being an actual physical issue, our body reacts the same way. If our bodies are put under stress over and over, it can be harmful.
Effects of Stress on the Mind
- Anxiety and Concern
After a great deal of stress, the mind was overloaded with thoughts that, eventually, became worries. A worrying thought is one that you circle through, as though you think through the issues repeatedly but don’t arrive at any solutions; they just keep circling through the mind. This ongoing process makes rest and sleep difficult. Ultimately, stress evolves into anxiety, which can be defined as fear or nervousness held over a long period. - Difficulty in Thinking
Stress can affect your memory and ability to think. If you’re stressed you won’t be able to focus and may forget things or not make decisions. This is why many students can get confused when taking an exam because they are too stressed.
- Sadness and Depression
Stressing over prolonged periods can also lead to sad, or depressed feelings. You may have lost enthusiasm for things that used to satisfy you or have a spoken moment of tiredness, have some lonely apathetic feelings, and feel hopeless. Alternatively, you may be too emotional, or you may feel very lonely.
Effects of Stress on the Body
- Headaches
Stress may lead to headaches. This is because stress contracts your muscles in the head and neck area. Stress may also interfere with blood circulation, resulting in pain.
- Stomach Issues
Everyone has that anxiety feeling in the stomach. You may feel nauseous or perhaps have diarrhea. Some people feel like they need to eat more when stressed and other people just stop eating.
- Heart Problems
Stress increases the heart rate. Stress elevates blood pressure. Prolonged stress can raise the risk of heart disease.
- Compromised Immune System
Stress can compromise the immune system. Your body will not be able to fight off infections as well. That’s why it’s easy to understand, no matter how minor that might be; you may have the flu or a cold more frequently.
- Sleep Difficulties
Stress can affect your ability to initiate sleep and maintain sleep. And even if you slept, you may not wake up feeling refreshed. When you wake up in the morning tired, it is very hard to feel awake that entire day.
Signs You Might Be Stressed
The following are some common signs you might be stressed:
You feel sad, worried, or anxious most of the time.
You haven’t been sleeping well.
You’re always tired.
You tend to get angry easily.
Moreover, you no longer enjoy things that you once did.
You are eating too much or too little.
You seem to be getting sick quite often.
If you notice any of these symptoms for a long time, you should speak with someone and get expert help.
How to Manage Stress
The good news is that you can manage stress. These days, it’s not difficult to do so. Here are some easy methods of reducing stress:
- Speak to Someone
Sometimes talking to a friend, family member or teacher can help you, too. Talking about the things on your mind might make that weight feel a little less. They might even have some really good advice! - Regular Exercise
Any type of physical exercise releases happy hormones from your body. Just walking, a limited jog, or playing a game for a little bit can relieve stress. And it keeps the body in condition. - Obtain Good Sleep
Get 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night. A clear mind can deal with stress more easily. Don’t use cell phones or watch TV when you’re going to bed.
4. good food
Quality food provides energy and nutrients that our body and brain require. We should avoid junk food and sugary beverages! We should eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and high-protein foods.
- Deep Breaths
If you notice the stress building up, stop and take a few nice deep breaths! This will give your mind time to relax and your body to chill out. At this point, you can start to think about yoga or meditation. - Create a Routine
Having a daily routine keeps you organized. Create a schedule for study, play, and rest. This puts you in command of your day and minimizes stress.
- Take Breaks
Do not work or study twenty-four hours a day. Take short rest breaks. Walk around, listen to music, or have some fun. This renews your mind.
- Think Positive
Attempt to think about positive aspects in life. Be thankful for what you have. Do not think negatively. A positive mind can cope with stress more easily.
When to Ask for Help
Sometimes it just feels too big. When the world appears to be upside down, and stress levels are advancing toward the boiling point, it’s time to seek help from a doctor or counselor. There is nothing to feel embarrassed about in seeking care, it’s never a bad idea to connect to someone who is supposed to be the specialist in mental health, much like you would for medical health.
Final Thoughts
Stress is a part of life, it’s how you deal with it that counts. It’s important to know the ways stress affects you physically and mentally, and once you understand your stress triggers and cues, you can seek safer and healthier patterns of existence to create happiness. You can create a happier and healthier existence by connecting with people & movement, eating better, and reinforcing gratitude and positive thinking.
Always remember, it’s okay to feel stress from time to time… just don’t allow it to occupy rent-free!
