​
Stress is not always negative we need a certain amount in which to go about our day-to-day activities. It can help us to meet challenges, to stay focused, energetic and alert. However, if there is too much stress and it becomes overwhelming then this can damage our health, effects our mood, our relationships and the quality of your life. In fact research as suggested when you take into account genetic and congential disorders, that stress accounts for 95% of all illnesses!
What is Stress?
Stress is your body’s way of responding to any kind or demand or threat. For instance when you feel threatened your body goes into a ‘fight or flight’ mode. This is where adrenaline and other chemicals are realised to help you deal with a situation. Whilst these responses are excellent in protecting the body in emergency situations they can also cause damage to us over time. The reason for this is that the autonomic system system which releases the chemicals when we are under stress, cannot distinguish between daily stressors and life-threatening events i.e. whether you’re having a disagreement at work, stuck in a traffic jam to running away from a wild animal. When you body repeatedly reacts to stress i.e. goes in a ‘flight or fight’ mode then this causes the blood pressure to raise, raise cholesterol, increases the risk of heart attacks and suppress the immune system resulting in you suffering more illnesses.
What are the symptoms of stress?
Individuals respond to stress differently, however research has found the following symptoms are usually present:
-
Anxiety
-
Chronic Worry
-
Depression
-
Lack energy
-
Lack motivation
-
Pessimism about the future
-
Loss of enjoyment in activities
-
Negative thinking
-
Unrealistic expectations
-
Perfectionism
-
Increase in the perception of pain
-
Burnout
-
Participating in risky behaviour