STRESS

Generally, people may experience stress at different times during the course of their life. Stress is a normal reaction to daily pressures, but can interchange with unhealthy reactions when a situation turns for the worse. As humans, our body is designed to react and endure some levels of stress whether positive or negative. Positive events can range from getting married, buying a home, starting a new job, and or managing important responsibilities. Whereas negative experiences such as divorce, death of a loved one, loss of a job, illness, trauma, and or feelings of inadequacy, can elicit feelings of distress, sadness, low self-worth, and or hopelessness.

Stress when activated can take control of the body’s physical, psychological, and or biological functions. Though the body has a defense automatic process known as the "fight or flight response", which is actuated in situations of an emergency. In situations where stress level intensifies, your reactions are likely to permeate through one or more areas of the body at any given time.

Stress reactive areas:

• Nervous System  

• Musculoskeletal System 

• Respiratory System 

• Endocrine System

• Cardiovascular System

• Gastrointestinal System

• Female Reproductive System

• Male Reproductive System

 

Testimonies revealed that major stress develops from competing with multiple demands and at times functioning in different roles. You may not notice that you are overloaded until it starts affecting you. Once stress is prolonged you can susceptible to developing chronic stress- if you sought no help. Stress is known to produce, cognitive, emotional, physical, and behavioral symptoms, of which each person experiences differently. 

Examples of common symptoms:

• Racing Thoughts

• Poor Concentration

• Irritability or Anger

• Depression and Anxiety

• Feeling Overwhelm

• Muscle tension

• Stomachache

• Increases Heartbeat

• Trouble Sleeping

• Indigestions

• Changes in appetite

• Headaches or Migraines

• Cold and Sweaty Palms

• Bodily Muscular Tension

• Bodily Aches and Pains

Finding stress solutions

Finding ways to reduce stress takes practice, and you may experience trial and error before you become comfortable. Every individual has a unique set of ways to reduce stress. Never stop searching until you find what works best for you. The more you discover, put them to practice and it is important to create your own stress reduction toolkit. 

 

Ways to reduce stress

Awareness: A rewarding approach is recognizing your major distractions and removing yourself away from them. Is it your digital world? Perhaps your environment or personal space? Negative self-thoughts? It may be difficult to switch from high-gear activities/practices. But, try setting realistic goals to adjust and reward yourself when you achieved them.

Breathing: When under stress engaging in deep breathing strategies calms the body. Try holding your breath and count to four, followed by exhaling for four. Repeat as needed.

Journaling: Recording situations and problem-solving approaches you can use, focusing on what went right. 

Using creativity: Creating a space to try new things, and crafting activities to boost confidence. 

Exercise: Regular exercise reduces the buildup of chemicals in your brain.

Listening to music: Music that is positive and uplifting helps to soothe stress response and decreases racing thoughts.

Support: If you are unable to work on reducing stress on your own. Try calling a family member, or friend, and or seek professional help.

 

 

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