When faced with a stressful situation our bodies sound an alarm and release various chemicals into our system that cause certain responses. Our heart rate increases, blood pressure rises, breathing rates increase, digestion decreases, perspiration increases, pupils dilate, and most people feel a rush of strength. We become tense and alert and ready for action. Long ago, such reactions were helpful in dealing with attacks from aggressive wild animals or other threats. In fact, this common response to stress is termed the fight or flight response because it armed our ancestors with the tools they needed to survive.
Our bodies still respond to stress in this same way even though we cannot always run away from the stressor. And, instead of the threat going away, today's stressors often remain for months or years. Our brain does not give our bodies the all clear sign to remove the chemicals that caused the initial stress response. Instead many of us are faced with constant stress that can lead to health problems.
Eventually our bodies react to chronic stress with a number of symptoms
including headache, stiff neck, nagging backache, rapid breathing, sweaty
palms, an upset stomach, emotional irritability, feeling exhausted, or
an inability to concentrate.
Chronic stress, if not relieved, can cause high blood pressure,
cardiac problems, digestive problems, and changes in the immune system
such as susceptibility to colds and flu, asthma attacks, and skin conditions.
Some people deal with stress by smoking, eating more, drinking alcohol, or by using drugs. Of course all of these are unhealthy ways of dealing with stress.
Some healthy ways to deal with stress include: talking about our
feelings and stressful situations with a close friend or family member;
practicing relaxation by enjoying the quiet of a calm room; enjoying
a massage; taking a warm bath; listening to your favorite soothing music.
One of the most beneficial stress reducers is exercising regularly. Many
of us would have less stress if we simply learned to delegate responsibilities
to others and learned how to 'say NO.'
