How Does Stress Affect Health
There are many kinds of stress and stress affect a person in many ways. Stress in small doses can be a good thing, giving us the push we need, motivating us to do our best and to stay focused and alert. To most of us, however, effects of stress on the body wreaks havoc on our emotional and physical health, narrowing our ability to think clearly, function effectively and enjoy life.
Stress Related Health Problem
Long term stress can lead to mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders and substance abuse, Certain illnesses such as migraines, ulcers, heartburn, high blood pressure, PMS, infertility, obesesity, irritable bowel syndrome and skin problems are also stress related health problem.
Effects of Stress
Anger is a emotional problem due to stress. Stress is the physical, emotional and mental response to change. All of us experience stress - at home, school or work. A small amount of stress is necessary for us to function effectively and can be a good motivating factor. Too much stress that goes on for a long time can be harmful.
Stress Causes
You, yourself when frustrated or never get what you want can make you feel stressful. Your family problems with your spouse and children, household duties and financial difficulties can also caused stress in you. Your workplace activities when you cannot finish your work, when you have not done well in your work, when your boss is not happy with you, when you did not get the promotion, changing jobs and retrenchement lead to stress too. An unfriendly community and neighbours also make you feel stress in your daily interactions with people.
What Happens When You are Stressed
Your heart will beat faster and your breathing becomes difficult. You will get angry easily. Yopu feel unhappy and you lose appetite. You lose interest in work. You don't enjoy your hobbies and interest. You lose sleep. You shout at others. You feel like throwing things. You sulk and you keep away. Stress, when it is too much, goes on for too long and if you are unable to cope, will lead to anger.
Managing Stress
Practice these when you are angry. when you know you are angry, say to yourself "I am angry now". Try to cool down and stay calm by counting to 10, say a prayer or take a deep breath. Say "cool it. Take it easy". Find out why you are angry and identify the problem. Make an effort to listen to the other person. Do not say things to hurt or punish the other person. Leave the place immediately if you are losing your temper. Talk to a confidante if you cannot handle it. Learn to forgive and forget - people do make mistakes! Learn problem-solving skills - identify the problem, describe possible options, evaluate consequences of each options (the pro's and cons's), act-choose an option to act upon, learn-review how well the action was carried out. Some of the ways to make you less angry are thinking positively, not blaming others or circumstances when things go wrong, learning to like yourself, making the best of what you have, learn to accept what you cannot change, do not worry too much about your shortcomings, learning to relax, exercise regularly, have hobbies, make time for family, work and leisure, have enough sleep, have someone to talk to. Learn to be assertive - learn to say NO to extra activities, invitations or appointments that you know you cannot fulfil. Set realistic goals for yourself. You cannot achieve everything. Realise that not everything is as important as you think.
Stress Management Tips
Learn to relax- Relaxation techniques like yoga or a massage help to lower blood pressure and pulse rates, release muscle tension and eas emotional strains
Take time off- Ideally, you should go on a vacation, or take long weekends off. Even spending an hour or two away from your busy schedule can work wonders.
Get enough sleep - Sleep fuels your mind and body, keeping you well rested both mentally and physically.
Listen to music - Classical, instrumental or gentle music help to reduce feelings of anxiety, heart rate and blood pressure.
Express your feelings - Sharing how you feel by talking to someone can help ease your troubles away. You can also try writing a journal, a poem or a letter.
Have a sense of humour - Laughter is an effective mechanism that helps to release the tension of pent-up feelings and helps reduce stress hormone levels.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle - Exercise regularly; avoid excessive alcohol, caffeine and tobacco; adopt a diet rich in a variety of whole grains, vegetables and fruits.
Each and every one of us exhibits different signs and symptoms of stress. One of the more recognisable sign is when our skin breaks out in hives, eczema or pimples. This can affect the way we feel about appearance, causing more emotional stress.
Stress Nutrition
One of the biggest problems with long-term stress is the body's inability to relax sufficently to get a good night's sleep. Throughout the ages, many herbs have been recognised for their gentle, safe and calming properties. They are used to calm the body and mind so that sleep comes more naturally. and best of all, these herbs do not cause addiction or daytime drowsiness.
One way to reduce the effects of stressed-out skin is to consume a diet rich in antioxidants. A well-balanced combination of antioxidants that include carotenoids (such as lycopene and beta-carotene), flavanoids (such as grape fruit extract), vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium, provides optimal protection for our skin. Skin that is well nourished will look more radiant, leaving you looking and feeling stress-free.
