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STRESS

Stress can affect how we think, feel, behave and effect how our bodies work. Common signs of stress include headaches, feeling anxious, sleeping problems and loss of appetite.

 

Feelings of stress are often caused by things happening in your life involving: being under pressure, big changes, not having control over a situation, overwhelming responsibilities, worrying about something, and not having enough stimulation in your life.

The first cues of being highly stressed are often physical signs. But stress can affect our bodies and minds in three main ways.
Physiologically
Behaviourally
Emotionally.

There are two main Physiological reactions to stress!

 

  1. Nervous pathway- When faced with stressors in the time of the caveman (wild animals) the adrenal system produced the hormones Adrenaline and Noradrenaline for our ‘fight or flight’ response in order to fight or run from the danger. Our bodies still produce adrenaline and noradrenaline when stressed but as many stresses in modern life aren’t putting us in imminent danger and last over a long period of time means the body is constantly producing the stress hormones. Long term effects of the stress hormones involve a reduction in the immune system response, low sex drive, increased likelihood of infections and creating muscle wasting.

  2. Endocrine pathway- our hypothalamus is alerted of a stressor and begins the alarm phase. The alarm phase activates the sympathetic division of the nervous system, creating the long term reaction to stress

 

Physical Symptoms of Stress:

Immediate stress symptoms

Increased Heart Rate

Increased Blood Pressure

Insomnia

Headaches, migraine

Breathing difficulties

Chest pains

Nausea

Diarrhoea

Vomiting

Longer term symptoms

Feeling rundown

Backache

Weight loss/gain

Colds, flu etc

Minor ailments

Viral illnesses

Heart attack

Ulcers

Colitis

Stress also affects our Behaviour, the main five stress reactions:

  1. Loss of efficacy, leading to worry and extra stress.

  2. Performing aimless activity to reduce tension, such as drumming fingers on the table or picking and argument.

  3. Focusing of peripheral activities, ignoring the important, pressing issues.

  4. Reduction in activities, such as hobbies or sports.

  5. Reduces external stimulation, such as cutting things out of your life (friends, family, and pets)

Finally, stress also effects our Emotions.

When stress we often can’t think straight, which leads to impaired judgement. When our judgement is impaired we are more likely to make poor decisions at work, socially and personally. Stress can also lead to excess worrying causing mood change, such as irritability, cynicism and blaming others.

Discover Helpful Apps and Tips...

How can we Manage Stress?

  1. Learning how to relax- Try relaxation techniques and calming music.

  2. Taking part in regular exercise- Take a look at our tips for getting into exercise.

  3. Keeping good time management techniques and creating a schedule.

  4. Stand up for yourself and learn to say ‘no’- learning to say no to extra work and responsibilities will clear up time to manage you existing schedule.

  5. Eat healthily- Food can affect your mood and exacerbate any feeling of stress you may already have, try fruits and vegetable substitutes, check out tips to improve your diet.

  6. Talk to friends and family about your stress levels- they may have suggestions and supportive words. 

  7. Get enough sleep- check out our page on sleep.

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