With society the way it is these days stress levels for many are on the rise. There are many reasons why people may get stressed:
- Money Problems
- Relationship Issues (partner, friendships, family etc..)
- Job issues
- Health Issues
Not only is stress not good for mental health and well-being, it is also not good for overall health. There are many conditions and symptoms that can be aggravated further by long term stress levels.
Before I get into that let me explain about stress and the role it has on the body.
What is Stress?
Stress originates from the fight flight response. When the body feel threatened by some kind of danger the hypothalamus part of the brain activates two parts of the brain, SNS and adrenal-cortical system, which helps to release stress hormones, adrenalin and cortisol. These hormones trigger several physical affects on the body such as increasing heart rate and blood pressure. This prepares the body to get ready for "fight or flight."
The Hormone Adrenaline increases the heart rate and increases the blood pressure of the individual.
Cortisol, which is the primary stress hormone, increases glucose in the bloodstream and increases brains use of glucose.Cortisol also alters the immune system responses and decreases the function of the digestive system and the reproductive system.
Effects on Long Term Stress:
This response is normal, and normally occurs short term, however if this response happens long term that is when effects can happen on the organs and the body.
Some of the effects on long term stress include the following:
- Lack of sleep
- Memory problems
- Emotional eating or not eating enough
- Restlessness and anxiety
- Depression
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Low immune system - frequent colds and infections
- Heart Disease (if the person is overweight and carries weight around the heart their risk increases)
What Can Be Done?
There are techniques, foods and nutrients that can help with stress which can help with the affects and symptoms of stress.
- Meditation
- Exercise
- Talking to someone
- Limit alcohol and caffeine
- Get more sleep
- Magnesium rich foods such as mushrooms, broccoli and green veggies
- Omega 3 rich foods such as fish, avocado, nuts and seeds
- Boxing
- Take time out for yourself
Further Reading:
For further information about the subject here are some sites to visit....
- http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Stress
- http://science.howstuffworks.com/life/fear2.htm
- http://www.helpguide.org/mental/stress_signs.htm
- http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20046037
- http://www.adaa.org/living-with-anxiety/managing-anxiety/tips
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