Stress was created to help the human body get
through life’s turbulence. When danger is sensed,
the body’s natural “fight or flight” response kicks
in, as a way to prepare itself for battle. The
adrenal glands kick into action, flooding the
bloodstream with high doses of adrenaline to give
the body energy.
Heart rate quickens and
blood flow increases, giving the body’s major organs
and muscles more oxygen. Endorphins are released to
work as natural painkillers. Breathing increases and
digestion slows, all in attempt to help you better
face what imminent struggle lays ahead. Nature’s way
of handling something bad coming our way, stress can
be good when it helps you focus and deal with an
emergency.
Problems arise when
stress levels continue to escalate, causing this
natural fight or flight response to stay with you
throughout the day. An ongoing struggle with a
spouse, an illness, or an unruly coworker can all
cause this fight or flight response to linger
unnaturally. The nervous system senses prolonged
tension and danger, and may continue to pump
hormones and chemicals throughout the body that can
deplete a person’s natural reserves, leaving them
feeling tired and sick all of the time.
A little stress can be
a good thing – but too much is bad for anyone. While
good stress empowers us to get a job done, or handle
a tough situation on our own, bad stress can strip
us of confidence, and the wherewithal to tackle
everyday issues.
Too Much Stress Is
Bad
Too much bad stress,
(or a stress overload), can cause severe problems
with the body’s immune system, making its victim
more prone to simple illnesses like colds and flu,
or more serious conditions such as infections,
diabetes, high blood pressure and gastrointestinal
problems. Stress has also been linked to a higher
rate of cancer, heart attack and stroke in some
patients. In others, too much stress can lead to
depression, which can cause serious mental and
behavior problems as well.
What Causes Bad
Stress?
Everyone reacts to
stress differently; what bothers one person may
easily be shrugged off by another. But, some of the
most common stress-inducers are:
• Divorce
• Death
• Illness
• Moving
• New job
• Pregnancy
• Legal issues
• Retirement
• Financial problems
• Marriage
Recognizing The Symptoms Of Too Much Bad Stress
The first step t
overcoming bad stress is first, recognizing that you
are experiencing it, than finding new ways to cope.
Symptoms of a stress overload may include:
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Emotional
Changes. Mood swings, anxiety, insomnia,
trouble concentrating, anger and even
feelings of agitation and tenseness may all
be signs that your stress levels are hitting
dangerous proportions.
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Feeling Unwell.
Physical symptoms of stress can often be
very subtle (an upset tummy, or trouble
eating), or they can be more severe with
extreme fatigue, throbbing headaches, chest
pains, recurring diarrhea, or even angina
and/or heart palpitations.
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Behavioral
Changes are another sign that stress points
are rising to an unhealthy state.
Overreacting, anger, acting on impulse,
withdraws and even a sudden need to quit or
change jobs may be the result of stress
overload. |
Stress can be good - or
it can be bad. The best way to get control of bad
stress is to recognize its symptoms, and learn how
it affects your specific body so that you can better
monitor and handle it. Learn to recognize how your
body reacts to stress, and you’ll be better prepared
to stop it in its tracks
By: Health 24
