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Stress is a normal reaction that comes from our evolutionary
past. The so-called "fight or flight" reaction served our ancestors
well, but in our times it is triggered too often by emotions, simple problems,
and situations that pose no threat. The grinding pace of modern life streams
with repeated "stressors" that build up. Our body reacts to the
stress as it distracts our minds and affects our health for the worse. We know
when we are "stressed-out," and it's a loud and clear message — we're
slowly killing ourselves.
Stress is the body and mind's reaction to new situations and
problems. The body turns up the metabolism with a burst of energy and then
braces to react. The mind becomes focused and vigilant. If there is danger it
is a good thing; if there is no danger the result is unnecessary wear-and-tear.
The damage is both psychological and physical when the body's reactions don't
match the situation.
During stress the nervous system reacts with chemical releases,
hormones prepare the brain for action as it draws more oxygen, muscles tighten,
the heart beats harder, and breathing accelerates. The body also suppresses the
immune, excretory, and reproductive systems, and it's all to prepare for
action.
A return to a normal state is drawn out when stress becomes
routine, for example, with job and family problems. Recurring and overlapping
difficult events can easily become chronic stress. Normal function does not
return easily and in time health deteriorates.
Constant stress takes its toll with headaches, sleeping
problems, and back and stomach pain — if you're lucky. Over a lifetime, it can
cause debilitating and life threatening disease. Existing conditions worsen as
the immune system weakens. Mood disorders become more common and daily living
suffers.
Anxiety, lack of motivation, anger problems, depression, and
anti-social behavior can become problematic. Using drugs, alcohol, and tobacco
is a poor way to cope, and they more often add to the stress. The downward spiral
begins to destroy personal and work relationships, and as long-term stress
progresses it physically manifests as disease. The most common result, as
research shows, is high blood pressure that leads to heart disease over time.
When stress seems overwhelming or unmanageable, there are
solutions. If stress is dominating your lifestyle, it's time to reach out.
Nurturing and maintaining social contacts can help you cope.
Family relationships give outlet to frustrating life dilemmas, and friends can
also be a source of support. Also, church and community organizations can be a
path to insight and relief. Paying attention to good health helps the body's
resilience, and maintaining mental hygiene makes stress episodes shorter lived.
Exercise and meditation have proven to be good stress reducers
as well. Incorporating more physical activity in daily living can be as simple
as taking walks. Regular meditation can settle the mind and help you remain
calm in situations that usually cause a lot of stress.
Emotional maturity is about knowing yourself and how you should
react to stress. We all have to take on some stress; it's important to know
when to avoid a bad situation. In other words, if you see a train coming, get
off the tracks! Take the first step and focus on examining what the sources of
your stress are. Sometimes you need to change (or end) bad relationships or
situations.
How you internalize and view personal stress has consequences,
and your perception of any situation creates positive and negative emotions.
Stress can be completely in the mind, but most likely it's a combination of
environment and perception. Knowing what you can change and what stress is
appropriate can help keep your life in your hands.
