We are bound to encounter Stressors.It is especially true with what’s happening around the world. With this, we become stressed. Stress can affect our daily functioning. Before it gets too much, know the causes and signs. It would also be helpful to know how to manage it.
Stress is natural. It is the body’s way of responding to a threat. It helps you stay focused and alert. Hence, it is useful in dangerous situations. It can even save your life. It is the body’s way of protecting you. However, it can also stop being helpful. It may bring negative effects on your health, mood, relationships, and quality of life.
1. Signs
Once you get used to stress, your body may consider it normal. Also, you will have a hard time taking note of how much it is affecting you. That’s why it is important to know signs of stress at an early stage. These are:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Poor judgment
- Problems with memory
- Seeing only the negative
- Racing thoughts
- Constant worrying
- Feeling sad most of the time
- Changes in mood
- Irritability
- Feels easily overwhelmed
- Feels lonely
- Aches
- Pains
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Dizziness
- Fast heart rate
- Loss of sex drive
- Frequent colds
- Does not want to eat or eats too much
- Does not get enough sleep or sleeps too much
- Isolating self from others
- Neglecting responsibilities
2. Causes
Stress happens when the body detects something dangerous. However, any situation or event that puts high demands on you can be stressful. Also, it may not always be negative. Stress can also be the result of internal factors. Hence, it happens when one worries too much about something. Stress is dependent on how one views it. Some stressful events may not bother another. The following are common causes of stress:
- Major life changes
- Difficulty in relationships
- Having too much work
- Issues with family
- Financial problems
- Work
- School
- Negative outlook in life
- Difficulty accepting uncertainty
- Lack of flexibility
- Setting unrealistic expectations
- Death of a close family member
- Divorce or separation
- Injury
- Job loss
3. Effects
The nervous system is not good at differentiating emotional and physical stress. Therefore, one may get stressed over small things like being stressed over a life or death situation. Also, the more the body gets used to stress, the more it becomes easier to experience it. Likewise, it becomes harder to shut off. The body will be in a constant state of heightened stress. Also, it may lead to serious health problems. It can disrupt every system in the body.
If you are expose to stressors it may harm the immune system. It can also have bad effect to the digestive and reproductive systems. Therefore, one who is stressed most of the time can develop illnessess. It can also speed the aging process. Additionally, it can affect mental health. It can rewire the brain. Hence, it can cause more anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns.
4. Prevention
To prevent stress from affecting you, avoid causes of stress. Also, know your limit. Know how much stress you can handle. Stay active and do regular exercise will help you relax. As a result, it can result in a good mood. Eat a healthy diet. However, some food may worsen your mood. But some can help you. Stay away from junk foods, carbs, and sugary snacks. They can make your stress worse. Instead, go for fresh fruits and vegetables.
Important Note
Eating food rich in nutrients can also help you stay away from stress. Also, it will help if you keep in touch with others. Connecting with others triggers hormones that help relieve stress. A short amount of exchange with another human can help calm and soothe you.
Moreover, do not let responsibilities stop you from socializing with others. A strong support network will help you cope with life’s ups and downs. With their support, the pressure will not seem overwhelming. Identify what calms you. Also, explore what will relieve you. If you notice signs of stress, you may turn to sounds. Listening to calming music may stop the stress. Also, you can engage your sense of touch by petting an animal.
Moreover, learn ways to relax. Yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises are proven relaxation techniques. They also increase your ability to stay calm under pressure. Try to adapt to a more positive outlook on life. Embrace challenges. Have a stronger sense of humor. Accept change as a part of life. Lastly, get enough rest. Feeling tired may cause you to think irrationally and can increase stress.
