Effects Of Stress On The Body

Archive for July, 2009

We all deal with stress in very different ways; for some it helps them to raise their game and achieve their best. However, for many others, stress can cause terrible problems and feelings of extreme anxiety at the very worst possible moments. Even if you fall into the first category and can manage stress well, it is useful to be able to apply simple stress reduction techniques for those times when you do feel a bit overwhelmed.

By releasing such chemicals as cortisol, adrenaline and noradrenaline into the bloodstream, the instinctive feeling of whether to "fight" or take "flight" is experienced during instances of stress.

If the situation can be controlled, or walked away from, the raised levels will subside. However, if this is not possible, they continue to build up and become excessive. As a result, heart rate increases, sweating occurs and sugars are released. This serves to just heighten stress levels, and the vicious circle is completed.

Applying stress reduction techniques at the very first sign of such an event can head the feelings off. Being able to recognize the situations most likely to trigger this reaction is a first step. There are several stress reduction techniques available if self help techniques fail to work. However, before trying any of them, it is highly advisable to seek professional medical guidance.

Relaxation is the key to bringing stress under control. At the first sign of stress instinctively, muscles tense, which can cause further problems such as pain and headaches. The best method to help relax is to apply simple deep breathing methods. One proven method is to inhale deeply and smoothly until the count of four. Hold the breath in for another count of four. Then exhale for a further count of four. This process helps to take in fresh oxygen in the blood stream, canceling out the negative effects of the chemicals.

There are of course many products and companies offering to provide stress reduction techniques. A simple search online will return numerous results. But for a quick and simple technique, deep breathing, exercise and fresh air are quite effective for occasional stress.

A common reaction to stress, for a significant number of people, is to immediately get a cup of coffee and light up a cigarette. This couldn't be more wrong. Nicotine and caffeine will only help to heighten feelings of stress. Indeed, such is the virulence of their effects that reducing or quitting smoking and caffeinated products can help avoid stress. Prevention is better than cure, after all.

If you are stuck in a stressful situation right now, it should be no surprise that you are not alone. Some of the common issues that trigger stress are finances, relationships and work-related problems. Prolonged stress that is not relieved can cause premature signs of aging as well as lead to a number of health issues. It is important that you seek stress solutions to reduce your stress levels and regain control of your life.

Stress if allowed to build up and not addressed can cause problems in the blood vessels, heart, adrenal glands, immune system and the brain. Research has validated the fact that the effects of stress can be as harmful to your health as any other health issues.

Sometimes we are so busy trying to juggle a million things at the same time and our eating habits are compromised. It's often quicker and easier to grab a cup of coffee and a donut on the go than it is to sit down for a nutritious breakfast. Even without high pressure schedules, it is hard enough to eat food that meets all of our nutritional needs. Incorporate plenty of fresh water, vegetables, fruits and lean protein into your diet. In addition, look into a mineral supplement as well as multi-vitamins that contain antioxidants. There are a number of formulations out there that can work as stress solutions.

The Vitamin-B complex of thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, biotin, folic acid and cobalamin is helpful for those individuals who suffer from stress and anxiety. When your body is under stress, the B vitamins are among the first to be depleted and must be replenished in order for the body to function properly. Just about everyone on the planet is deficient in B Vitamins due to the causes of stress. The same is true for Vitamin C which is helpful for boosting your immune system.

One of the best stress solutions is exercise. It doesn't need to heart-pumping, sweaty and strenuous exercise; you can start off slowly and transition into more rigorous physical activity as it suits you. By focusing on your exercise movements or even taking in your surroundings as you take a leisurely stroll, you are allowing your body to return to a normal state so that the chemicals released by your body during stress don't have a chance to build-up and remain in your body.

As you are looking for stress solutions, you should also take note that meditation and yoga as well as different breathing techniques can greatly assist in soothing your mind and get you back on track. In the end, if eating healthy to get the proper nutrition, doing exercises and breathing techniques do not help you out, then it is time to seek out medical attention.

Don't forget to carve out some personal time. All too frequently, the demands of work and family don't leave us with enough time for ourselves. Taking some time out of the day for you is a great way to reduce stress. Taking a nice warm bath or curling up by yourself with a good book can do wonders for your spirit. Of course, "me time" doesn't mean you can't include family and friends; you can always do something that is fun and relaxing for you, whether it's dozing by the pool or taking the kids to the zoo.