Stress is an old issue or a modern illness. Stress used to cause earlier also, but nowadays, it is a repercussion of increased lifestyle demands, changes in diet, and habits.

It is the distortion of the body–mind balance.

Diets deficient in nutrition, inactive lifestyles, excessive workloads, and competitions have eroded the sheer space of balance.

What is Stress?

Stress is the way the body handles or gives a response to pressure or ups and downs in life. It can be short-term or long-term.

The stress or pressure that lasts for a short while is helpful. It motivates people to complete their challenges and work.

Long-term stress is not favorable for the body and the mind. It has a negative impact on both.

It keeps the body and mind alert, and puts the body into a state of fear and anxiety.

What Causes Stress?

Stress could be caused by a single event or mishap. It can also be the result of the collection of small pressure events.

It is often difficult to know the exact reason for stress.

Chronic stress can be formed by –

• • Life Incidents – Death in the family, a major failure, a divorce, or trauma. It leads to stress and fear that build negative thoughts.
• • Demands and Pressure – It is caused, people feel stressed, when they are unable to meet the day-to-day demands of their lifestyle. Sometimes in school, not being able to complete homework leads to fear of punishment. Heavy workload and deadlines in the offices lead to the formation of fear, stress.
• • Financial Burdens – It is always caused when unable to bear everyday expenses. It is a condition unable to fulfilling choices in life.
• • Other Stress Stimuli – It consists of external stressors, like noise, pollution, etc. It can be caused by some illness also.
• • Negative thoughts – It is a way of thinking, low about oneself, or overthinking about the past and future.

The Impact of Stress on the Body

Stress causes the mind to go into a survival mode. It causes the body and mind to fight the pressure.

Long-term condition of stress harms the body and mind in many ways.

The body continually reacts and leads to the release of stress hormones in excessive amounts.

• • It increases blood pressure.
• • Leads to a racing heart.
• • Increases the blood sugar levels.
• • Suppress the immune system.
• • It causes mental alertness.
• • It causes weakness in muscles.
• • It lowers bone density.

Symptoms of Unmanaged Stress

Unmanaged stress affects the body in several ways.

• • It affects the stomach issues.
• • It causes a headache, increases muscular alertness.
• • It leads to sleep disturbances or insomnia.
• • It increases the heartbeat and palpitations.
• • Weakness, sweating, and loss of libido.

Cognitive Symptoms Caused by Prolonged Stress

• • Overthinking
• • Stucked thoughts
• • Fear
• • Phobia
• • Memory loss
• • Depression
• • Anxiety

How to Manage and Reduce Stress?

Regular Exercise, Taking a Grip of Busy Schedules:

The everyday exercise or physical work causes lower stress hormones and also helps muscular and digestive health.

The mind can be relaxed by some breathing or yoga exercises.

Taking rest and keeping pace to release stress.

Taking Regular Sleep – It is always important to maintain regular sleep hours to have a sound mind and body.

Reduce the screen time during the night.

Manage an effective sleep schedule. Keep journals to read.

Having a Balanced Diet – Overconsumption of synthetic diets, over-processed food, and high amounts of sugar leads to stress.

The stress in return causes more to eat.

The poor diet leads to cause deficiencies and lack of nutrients that can cause stress.

Self-care

It is always advised to practice healthy habits.

• • Do not overwork yourself to accomplish extra work.
• • Take breaks and pauses.
• • Spend family time.
• • Get a massage.
• • Listen to music.
• • Avoid alcohol and smoking.

Conclusion

Stress is an everyday issue to maintain. It cannot be left untreated or unhealed. It can lead to severe complications.