Stress: What is it and how you can deal with it?

The fast-paced everyday life takes its toll on our health- physical as well as mental. Most of us feel drained to the point where it starts affecting our emotions as well as a daily routine. This can even cause health problems ranging from a minor headache to a cardiac arrest. In some cases, it may also cause anxiety and panic attacks and even lead to depression. Thus, it is a serious concern and hence calls for more awareness. Here is an insight on stress, effects of stress, and how you can tackle it.

What is stress?

Stress is a physical response to some threats and demands which the mind perceives as being unfavourable. The relaxed state of body turns to one of being alert and takes up the position of ‘fight or flight’ with the hormones preparing your body for action. Stress can last for a short while or be chronic. 

What are the effects of stress on the body?

Stress can have a severe impact on your body both mentally and physically. We list below some of the serious effects of stress on the body-

• Problems of Heart & Blood Pressure - In cases of momentary and acute stress, the ‘stress hormones’- adrenaline and cortisol increase the amount of blood being pumped in the body, thereby cause a rise in the blood pressure and increased heart rate. Chronic stress is a persistent experience of stress over a long period which may cause a raised blood pressure and is detrimental to the heart. This is one of the most serious effects of stress on the body. Constant increased heart rate and elevated blood pressure hamper the overall mental and physical health. Chronic stress exposes a person to an increased risk of heart attacks. Prolonged stress can also cause inflammation in the blood vessels, especially the coronary artery, which may ultimately lead to a cardiac arrest.    

• Respiratory issues - Stress can cause minor breathing-related problems, including shortness of breath and rapid breathing. If a person suffers from pre-existing respiratory issues, stress can exacerbate the condition. Acute stress may also lead to panic attacks, which may trigger rapid ‘hyperventilation’ or rapid breathing. In critical situations, severe stress arising out of grief and pain can even trigger asthma attacks. 

• Gastrointestinal ailments - Ill effects of stress can also be felt in the stomach and the gastrointestinal tract. Stress causes a sensation of discomfort and unease in the stomach. Heartburn and spasms in the oesophagus are the most commonly observed consequences of stress on the body. Also, bloating and nausea are likely to occur due to stress. It can also give rise to bowel disorders like IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), constipation and diarrhoea. 

• Weight issues - Stress has a visible effect on the appetite of a person. When stressed, people tend to have an irregular eating habit which might range from binge-eating to avoiding food and forgoing meals. Uncontrolled eating can lead to obesity and weight gain, whereas avoiding food causes significant weight loss.  

• Reduced fertility and libido - Stress can also affect the sex life of a person. Chronic stress decreases the libido (the sex drive) in men and women. Men may suffer from erectile dysfunction and reduced fertility due to stress.Also, it may interrupt menstruation and affect the length of the cycle and cause painful periods in women.

• Headaches - When you are stressed, the muscles of the body are tensed, and the nerve tips are inflamed. If this state persists, it may lead to headaches. Stress is also a major trigger for migraines

• Diabetes & thyroid-related issues - With the increased production of adrenaline and cortisol in the body during stress, the liver also produces more sugar to generate energy. This excess sugar may remain unabsorbed, leading to an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes. Over-production of cortisol may also give rise to thyroid-related issues. 

How to Deal with Stress?

There are several ways of dealing with stress. We list some of the most popular ways to reduce stress below-

1.Identify the source of stress

2.Adopt a healthy lifestyle

3.Set time aside for recreation

4.Take up yoga or meditation