Stress is a sense of internal strain, incurred when you perceive yourself as being placed under excessive physical or psychological demand. Your body responds chemically, releasing hormones that ready the person for combat or survival. Typically, this tension subsides automatically, upon the removal or resolution of the stimulus. However, frequent or prolonged episodes of stress can place a terrible strain on the body, resulting in significant physical and mental damage.
Physical Symptoms
Chronic stress is connected to a multitude of physical ailments. Once adrenal compounds (stress hormones) enter the bloodstream, they make their way through every cell in the body. Persistent stress can lead to digestive disorders, skin outbreaks, hair loss, cardiovascular diseases, ulcers, nervous twitches, muscular pain, weakness of the immune system and respiratory illnesses. Continuing stress may also aggravate conditions already present, especially in people who have asthma or any disorder of the heart.
Psychological Sypmtoms
Thinking patterns that trigger stress may become habituated, producing a neurotic effect. Under these conditions, a person may lose the ability to think clearly or rationally. He then becomes fixed to a state of confusion, incapable of deciding what is right or wrong for his life. Progressively, stress can lead to memory loss, emotional instability, indifference to living, paranoia and severe depression.
Behavioral Symptoms
Unable to find internal relief from stress, a person may seek to alleviate tension through certain behaviors. The most common behavioral reactions to stress include: overeating, alcohol or substance abuse, violence and isolation.
Reducing Stress
Certain activities relax the mind and body, diminishing stressful feelings. Physical exertion increases blood flow to the brain, facilitating the removal of toxic products that accumulate as a result of strenuous thought. Exercise also stimulates the release of pleasure chemicals called endorphins into the blood, producing a sense of euphoria afterward. Many forms of meditation center around releasing negative thought patterns, and mentally removing yourself from the surrounding environment. Performing any pleasurable pastime can also serve to abate inner tension. By deliberately taking steps to eliminate or remove stress, you can dramatically improve the overall condition of your life.
