STRESS; ITS CAUSES, EFFECTS AND SOLUTIONS

STRESS

 

DEFINITION OF  STRESS

 

Stress is a normal human reaction that happens to everyone. In fact, the human body is designed to experience stress and react to it. When you experience changes or challenges (stressors), your body produces physical and mental responses. That’s stress.

 

Stress responses help your body adjust to new situations. Stress can be positive, keeping us alert, motivated and ready to avoid danger. For example, if you have an important test coming up, a stress response might help your body work harder and stay awake longer. But stress becomes a problem when stressors continue without relief or periods of relaxation.

 

Stress is a process, not a diagnosis. We experience stress when there is an imbalance between the demands being made on us and our resources to cope with those demands. The level and extent of stress a person may feel depends a lot on their attitude to a particular situation. An event that may be extremely stressful for one person can be a mere hiccup in another person’s life.

 

You may feel under pressure to do something and fear you may fail. The more important the outcome, the more stressed you feel. Stress is not always a bad thing. Some people thrive on stress and even need it to get things done.

 

When the term ‘stress’ is used in a clinical sense, it refers to a situation that causes discomfort and distress for a person and can lead to other mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression.

Stress may also contribute to physical illness such as cardiovascular disease. When stress turns into a serious illness, it’s important to get professional help as soon as possible. Untreated anxiety disorders can lead to serious depression.

 

CAUSES OF STRESS

 

Factors contributing to a person feeling stressed might include:

 

1. Environment (work, home, school)
2. Lifestyle

3. Emotional and personal problems

4. Physical disorders.

5. Too much work

6. Children misbehaving

7. The way you think about external situations.

 

EFFECT OF STRESS

 

Physical symptoms of stress include:

 

1. Aches and pains.

2. Chest pain or a feeling like your heart is racing.

3. Exhaustion or trouble sleeping.

4. Headaches, dizziness or shaking.

5. High Blood Pressure

6. Muscle tension or jaw clenching.

7. Stomach or digestive problems.

8. Trouble having sex.

9. Weak immune system.

 

Stress can lead to Emotional and Mental Symptoms like:

 

1. Anxiety or irritability.

2. Depression.

3. Panic Attacks, Tension

4. Sadness, Anger

5. The way we think; poor concentration, forgetfulness, indecisiveness, apathy, hopelessness

6. Behaviorally; increased drinking and smoking, insomnia, accident proneness, weight problems, obsessive-compulsive behaviour, nervousness, gambling.

 

IMPORTANCE OF RELIVING STRESS (RESTING)

 

1. Healthier body and mind

2. Longer life

3. Happier you

4. Better work efficiently

5. Better human relationships

LIFESTYLES TO RELIVING STRESS

 

1. Exercise regularly: Try relaxation activities, such as meditation, yoga, tai chi, breathing exercises and muscle relaxation. Programs are available online, in smartphone apps, and at many gyms and community centers.

 

2. Avoid conflict: avoid situations that make you feel stressed such as unnecessary arguments and conflict (although ignoring a problem is not always the best way to reduce stress).

 

3. Relax: give yourself some time to relax each day and try to spend time with people who make you feel good about yourself.

 

4. Eat well: a nutritious diet is important. Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and avoid sweet and fatty foods.

 

5. Sleep: a good sleep routine is essential. If you have difficulty falling asleep, do something calm and relaxing before you go to bed like listening to music or reading.

 

6.Enjoy your life: it’s important to make time to have some fun and to get a balance in your life.
At the end of each day, take a moment to think about what you’ve accomplished, not what you didn’t get done.

 

7. Set goals for your day, week and month. Narrowing your view will help you feel more in control of the moment and long-term tasks.

 

8. Consider talking to a therapist or your healthcare provider about your worries.
Stay positive and practice gratitude, acknowledging the good parts of your day or life.

 

9. Accept that you can’t control everything. Find ways to let go of worry about situations you cannot change.

 

10. Learn to say “no” to additional responsibilities when you are too busy or stressed.

 

MEET THE WRITER

Olori Flora is a Freelance/ Remote Writer, Designer and Data Entry Officer who ensures accuracy of data entered, data scrapped, writes, designs creative graphics, UI/Ux and Videos.

Olori Flora believes that creative contents are required for a better self expression and help simplify things.

Olori Flora has helped  alot of individuals and institutions  carry out their functions better.

She has certified in various design and data areas ranging from; Fashion designing, Graphic design, Data Entry and UI/Ux deeign

Olori Flora holds an HND in Computer Science from the Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State.