Stress can be defined as any type of change that causes physical, emotional, or psychological strain. Stress is your body’s response to anything that requires attention or action. Everyone experiences stress to some degree. The way you respond to stress, however, makes a big difference to your overall well-being.
Warnings signs of stress in adults may include:
- Crying spells or bursts of anger.
- Difficulty eating.
- Losing interest in daily activities.
- Increasing physical distress symptoms such as headaches or stomach pains.
- Fatigue.
- Feeling guilty, helpless, or hopeless.
- Avoiding family and friends.
What are the 3 types of stress?
- Acute stress.
- Episodic acute stress.
- Chronic stress.
What causes stress?
What are the signs of stress?
If you are stressed, you might feel:
- Irritable, angry, impatient, or wound up.
- Overburdened or overwhelmed.
- Anxious, nervous, or afraid.
- Like your thoughts are racing and you can’t switch them off.
- Unable to enjoy yourself.
- Depressed.
- Uninterested in life.
- Like you’ve lost your sense of humor.
How do I get rid of stress?
- Get active. Virtually any form of physical activity can act as a stress reliever. …
- Meditate. …
- Laugh more. …
- Connect with others. …
- Assert yourself. …
- Try yoga. …
- Get enough sleep. …
- Keep a journal.
How does stress affect your body?
Note:
Stress can also lead to emotional problems, depression, panic attacks, or other forms of anxiety and worry.
It’s not just the stress itself that’s the problem. It’s how you respond to it.
For instance, if you smoke, use drugs, overeat, gamble, spend too much, or have risky sex, that’s going to cause more problems.
If you think that the way you’re handling life’s stress is taking a toll on your physical health, talk to your doctor so you can start making changes that will be good for your body and your mind.
What is the biggest stress in life?
Everyone experiences stress, but it can be overwhelming to know how to manage it. When major life stressors come up, it’s important to have strategies to cope and relax. The top five most stressful life events include:
- Death of a loved one
- Divorce
- Moving
- Major illness or injury
- Job loss
It might feel like stress is an emotional issue – something that lives strictly inside your head. But stress can become a physical issue as well, especially when dealing with the most stressful events in life.
Your body instinctively responds to changes and perceived threats, says Francoise Adan, MD, ABIHM, Medical Director, University Hospitals Connor Whole Health. Your body reacts by releasing stress hormones, adrenaline, and cortisol to switch you into fight-or-flight mode.
After experiencing stressful life events, Dr. Adan says stored-up stress can contribute to symptoms and issues related to:
- Digestive Health
- Inflammation
- Immune system
- Bone density
- Sexual Health
- Sleep
- Anxiety
“Day-to-day stress takes its toll on everyone,” she says. “We’re constantly bombarded by threats and changes, but because we don’t usually literally fight or run, we stay reactive. We’re bathed and flooded in stress hormones.”
How to Manage the Most Stressful Events in Life
When stress strikes, you can take steps to reduce the impact on your body. To alleviate symptoms and manage even the top stressors in life, Dr. Adan recommends these three steps:
1. Take Action
- Your body is primed to act, so go ahead and get physically moving.
- “Contract your muscles, release and shake it out. You can march in place or wring a towel – 30 to 60 seconds will reboot your body and return you to physical stability,” Dr. Adan says.
2. Breathe
Hit the pause button and tune into yourself. Consider using guided imagery and mindfulness to engage at the moment. Being present will realign the body.“
Think: ‘I am here; it is what it is.’ It’s about acceptance, not control,” she says.
3. Feel Good
Take at least 30 seconds to just feel good. It’ll release the same endorphins you get when you exercise.
“Think about what you’re grateful for,” Dr. Adan says. “Tap or sing along to a song. I tell my clients to keep Play-Doh at their desks and take a minute to play.”
Research shows that using this type of framework for roughly five to 10 minutes a day will improve your health, longevity, and productivity. While this is particularly important following stressful life events, it’s better to make it an everyday habit.
“Not one can spare five minutes a day,” “It’s a choice for health.”
