Let’s talk about STRESS today, The WHO (World Health Organization) defined as any type of change that causes physical, emotional Psychological strain. Stress is your body response to anything that requires attention or action. Everyone experiences stress to some degree. The way respond to stress, however, make a big difference to your overall well-being.
Stress is our body’s response to pressure. Many different situations or life events can cause stress. It is often triggered when we experience something new or unexpected that threatens our sense of self or when we feel we have little control over a situation (Mental Health Foundation).
We all deal with stress differently. Our ability to cope can depend on our
genetics, early life events, personality and social and economic circumstances. When we encounter stress, our body produces Stress Hormones that trigger a fight or flight response and activate our immune system. This helps us respond quickly to dangerous situations.
Sometimes, this response can be useful: It can help us push through fear or
pain so we can run a marathon or deliver a speech. Our stress hormones will usually return to normal quickly ones the stressful event is over, and there won’t be any lasting effects. However, too much stress can see negative effects. It can leave us in a permanent stage of fight or flight, leavings overwhelmed or unable to cope. Long term, this can affect our physical and mental health.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF STRESS?
How you feel:
- Anxious
- Afraid
- Angry or Aggressive
- Sad
- Irritable
- Frustrated
- Depressed
These feelings can sometimes produce physical symptoms, making you feel even worse.
HOW YOU MIGHT BEHAVE:
You may behave differently if you’re stressed.
You may,
- Withdraw from other people or snap at them
- Be indecisive or inflexible
- Be tearful
- Have problems getting to sleep or staying asleep
- Experience sexual problems
Smoke, drink Alcohol or take drugs more than usual If the stress is long-lasting, you may notice your sleep and memory are affected, your eating habits change, or you feel less inclined to exercise. Some research has also linked long-term stress to gastrointestinal conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or stomach ulcers, as well conditions like cardiovascular disease.
HOW YOU MAY HELP YOURSELF?
- Recognize when stress is a problem.
- Think about where you can make changes.
- Build supportive relationships.
- Eat healthily.
- Get some exercise.
- Be aware of your smoking and drinking.
- Take time out.
- Be mindful.
- Get some restful sleep.
- Be kind to yourself.
Some times we even need professional help to be able to channel stress and regain control of our body and mental health.
Do your part to get better, and remember if something worries you and that problem has a solution, why worry!! If you know it has a solution and if it doesn’t stop worrying because there is a solution.
But as believers we have The Doctor of Doctors GOD Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition with thankgiving, presents to GOD. ( Philippians 4:6 )
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ( Matthew 11:28 ) In the world that we live in it is difficult to control stress but not impossible, because we know that when we ask God for help ALWAYS answers us; let’s never forget it!! I call to you Lord, come quickly to me: hear me when I call to you. ( Psalms 141:1)