Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the many demands on you each day? It can be in the form of a difficult boss, a stressful relationship, an illness or injury or financial strain. Challenges can come at you left and right during the course of a single afternoon. In today’s environment, it is easy to see how stress can insidiously work itself into our lives. Small levels of stress that dissipates or is dealt with quickly can be normal. However, chronic stress that builds up over time has a profound affect on mental and physical health.
In response to increased stress, the body releases a hormone that triggers a “fight or flight” response. This response then sets up an almost imperceptible domino affect by increasing the heartbeat which can make the heart work harder. Stress can also affect the protective mucosal lining in the stomach and ulcers or holes in the stomach can form. It can also decrease your immune system, leaving you more susceptible to infections that others with normal immune systems might be able to fend off.
Symptoms of Chronic Stress
It is important for you to become familiar with symptoms that can be an indicator of chronic stress so that you can alleviate them as quickly as possible. These symptoms may include:
- upset stomach
- headaches
- diarrhea/constipation – may alternate between the two symptoms
- decreased sexual desire
- difficulty concentrating
- trouble sleeping
- short temper
- depression
- anxiety
- lack of energy or motivation
- tension
These symptoms are general and nonspecific and can certainly be attributable to many other conditions. If you notice that you may be experiencing a moderate amount of stress then you should take a look at those factors in your life that are contributing to this imbalance. You have to ask yourself if there is a way to lighten your load so that the increased stress does not start to affect your health. Consider discussing your stress with your primary care provider and seeing what he/she recommends,
Some individuals deal with stress by exercising or by beginning a hobby such as reading. Others try acupressure, biofeedback, regular massages or even counseling. It does not matter what your outlet is. What is important is that you find one to help combat the stress that we are faced with every day so that you can enjoy the business of living.
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