Understanding Stress: What It Is and Why It Matters
Discover the Science Behind Stress and Learn Effective Ways to Manage It
What is Stress?
Stress is your body’s natural response to pressures and challenges. Whether triggered by unexpected life events or external pressures, stress can affect everyone differently. Factors like economic conditions, social environments, and individual circumstances all play a role in what contributes to stress.
Types of Stress
Psychological Stress
This stress involves mental and emotional challenges, such as:
- Work-related issues
- Family conflicts
- Relationship difficulties
- Financial problems
- Traumatic events, like accidents or loss of a loved one
Pathological Stress
Pathological stress affects your body’s internal functions, including:
- Hormone imbalance
- Gut issues
- Metabolic disruptions
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Body composition changes
Physiological Stress
This type of stress involves physical strain on the body, caused by:
- Physical activities like sports and gym workouts
- Intense manual labor
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Positive vs. Negative Stress
Eustress (Positive Stress) can help motivate you, boost productivity, and improve performance. It’s essential in many situations to push us towards our goals.
Negative Stress, on the other hand, occurs when the pressure becomes overwhelming. Excessive stress, especially over prolonged periods, can lead to mental and physical health problems.
Fight or Flight Response
When faced with a perceived threat—like a barking dog—your body activates its “Fight or Flight” mode. Your hypothalamus signals your adrenal glands to release hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. This stress response diverts blood from your organs to your muscles, preparing you for immediate action.
Watch this video to learn more about how your body responds to stress: Fight or Flight Video
The Role of the Nervous System in Stress
Sympathetic Nervous System: Activates the “Fight or Flight” response. It increases heart rate, dilates the pupils, stops digestion, and releases glucose.
Parasympathetic Nervous System: Known as the “Rest and Digest” state. It calms the body by decreasing the heart rate, promoting digestion, and aiding fertility.
Modern-day lifestyles often cause prolonged activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which can lead to health issues if left unchecked.
Effects of Chronic Stress
Continuous stress leads to an increase in cortisol levels, which can cause:
- High blood pressure
- Weight gain
- Mental health issues like anxiety and depression
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Bowel disorders and fertility problems
Managing Stress: Food for Thought
To maintain a balanced state, it’s essential to incorporate strategies to revert to a parasympathetic (rest and digest) mode. Consider activities like mindfulness, deep breathing, and exercise to help your body restore balance and reduce cortisol levels.
Ready for More?
This module is part of a series dedicated to improving your health and well-being. In our next module, we will explore how to monitor your health metrics to better understand stress levels in the body.
