Personal Success Insight-The Physical Impact of Stress
Stress is inevitable in life and can have both positive and negative effects on health. Stress is defined as a negative emotional state linked to a myriad of health problems including heart disease and high blood pressure, and the resulting increased pulse and surge of adrenaline has lingering effects on the body. In a positive sense, stress triggers the release of hormones from the brain and activates the sympathetic nervous system which prepares the body for ‘fight or flight’.
Upon recognizing a physical threat, the brain releases adrenaline resulting in increased heart rate and blood pressure (known as a ‘rush’) and directs the flow of blood away from the non-critical functions of the body in order to respond to the threat by either fighting or fleeing. These ‘non-critical’ functions include digestion, which explains the connection between stress and weight gain or loss.
Prolonged periods of stress have a similar effect on the body as starvation, exposure to cold, heavy exercise or shock. The body can not maintain an aroused state for extended periods without reaching the point of exhaustion. Over time, stress breaks down the body’s immune system which leaves us more vulnerable to illness. Hormones released in response to stress can contribute to increased anxiety, anger, despair and even paranoia, which can be debilitating over long periods of time. It is possible to experience stress without being conscious of its cause. For example, measuring a body’s response to stress is the basis of polygraph examinations, because a person can not control the automatic reactions.
How people handle stress, their outlook on their ability to control and manage the situation, and the coping strategies employed all impact an individual’s physical and emotional health in their ability to manage stress. Some people turn to drugs or alcohol to manage their stress, which only worsens its effects. Social stressors have been linked with a depressed immune system, and self destructive behaviors also contribute to further weakening the immune system, such as drinking, taking drugs and not getting adequate exercise or sleep. Stress further compromise the body’s immune system making it more susceptible to everything from gum disease to back pain and even a higher incidence of cancer.
How you approach stressful situations will determine how successfully you can cope with them. Managing stress in one’s own life is beneficial to overall health and wellness. Exercise, eating a balanced diet and relying on a social network all contribute to helping the body better prepare for the inevitable stressors of everyday life. Even keeping a secret can be stressful and detrimental to health.
Overall happiness is linked to good health. We must recognize that stress can be a threat to our wellbeing and adopt healthy lifestyles in order to best manage the inevitable stressors of life in a positive fashion.
