Topic(s)
Mind & Body

Understanding the relationship between stress and body

What is stress?

According to World Health Organization (WHO), stress is a natural human response to address challenges and threats in our lives. Stress is any form of changes that includes physical, emotional, or psychological tension, representing your body's reaction to any situation demanding attention or action. It is important to develop a clear understanding of how stress can impact your physical and mental health .

When you perceive something as stressful, whether it's a physical danger or a study or work deadline, your body goes into a state of heightened alertness to deal with the situation.

Stress which is caused by physical, emotional, or psychological factors, triggers a series of physiological responses in the body. This is often referred to as the "stress response" or "fight-or-flight response."

 

How can you identify stress?

It often contributes to fear, overwork, and frustration. You may feel physically exhausted, tired, and unable to cope. Here is a thing that you can trace stress for:

  • Physical signs such as headache, muscle tension and digestion issues, high blood pressure, eating and sleeping patterns change.
  • Psychological signs such as anxiety , depression , worrying and mood swings.
  • Emotional signs such as being angry, irritated and frustrated.
  • Behavior signs such as lack of self-care, delaying something to do, depending on drug or substance abuse .

 

What are the leading factors for stress to cause?

Numerous aspects of life can serve as stress triggers. Primary sources of stress encompass education, work, financial concerns, relationships, parenting responsibilities, and the daily hassles of life.

 

What can happen if we don't properly manage our stress?

If we don't manage our stress in a proper way, it can lead to many physical and mental health problems. It includes:

  • High blood pressure
  • Heart disease
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Burnouts
  • Stomach aches and pains
  • Headaches

 

Can we treat stress related issues?

It may be a tricky thing to give an exact answer, but it is yes. Stress management strategies include changing the situation, learning stress coping skills, practicing relaxation techniques , and addressing symptoms or conditions that could be the result of long-term stress. It includes psychotherapy (talking therapy), medication and other relaxation techniques .