Stress is the body's response to the effects of external factors, which is accompanied by anxiety and increased emotionality. Slight stress has a positive effect, speeds up reactions, stimulates the production of adrenaline and brain activity. Constant stress leads to exhaustion of the body and serious diseases.
There are four types of stress:
1. Chronic. It is caused by the constant impact of negative factors, from which a person cannot get rid of. For example, problems at work or school.
2. Acute (instantaneous). It occurs when the sudden influence of external factors. For example, in the event of an attack, natural disaster, accident. The person turns on a defensive reaction to cope with the situation. The result is a general depletion of the body's resources, therefore, after prolonged stress, long-term physical and psychological recovery is usually required.
3. Positive. It is caused by joyful events and positive emotions. Such a shock stimulates the production of endorphins and dopamine and has a positive effect on the body.
4. Negative. It happens due to negative changes in life. It has a negative impact on the mental and physical health of a person.
Positive-minded people deal with negative emotions easily and avoid stress. According to a study by scientists from the UK, 74% of respondents suffer from chronic stress. Women are more likely to suffer from this condition than men.
It is impossible to completely avoid stress. It is the body's natural defense response to an irritant or environmental change. The condition has three stages.
1. Anxiety stage
The body activates its protective functions. Excessive release of hormones occurs, adrenaline is released into the blood. Blood pressure, blood sugar levels increase, the functions of the autonomic nervous system and adrenal glands increase.
2. The resistance
This stage lasts from several hours to several days. The body's forces are mobilized to deal with stress. Physical indicators, the activity of internal organs and systems are stabilized. Overcoming stress at the stage of resistance takes place without consequences for the body.
3. The exhaustion
At this stage, the protective functions of the body are weakened. The production of hormones is impaired. Adaptation to stress stops. A person experiences weakness, malaise. Stress becomes chronic. The condition has a negative impact on mental and physical health.
A person suffering from stress experiences a constant feeling of anxiety, irritation, and takes out anger at others. Apart from this, there are several signs of a stressful condition:
The appearance of one or more signs is indicative of chronic stress. It is necessary to fight this condition in order to avoid complications and negative consequences.
The main causes of stress are:
The outbreak of Covid-19 has brought great stress to people around the world. The mental health of many millions of people has significantly deteriorated in 2020. A study of the mental state of people from different countries against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic showed relatively high rates:
Stress is a normal response to annoyance. A short-lived acute condition is beneficial to the body. During the struggle with stress, the reaction improves, the effectiveness of the activity increases. Under stress, two hormones are secreted in the body in an increased amount - cortisol and adrenaline. Cortisol inhibits digestive function, lowers immunity, and raises glucose levels. Adrenaline raises blood pressure and increases energy consumption. With the elimination of the irritating factor, the production of hormones is normalized, and the body's functions are stabilized.
Constant stress causes adrenal fatigue syndrome. As a result, the synthesis of cortisol decreases, which leads to sexual dysfunction, autoimmune diseases, weakness, mood swings, and metabolic disorders. Prolonged stress causes a loss of energy and shortens life expectancy. The chronic state of stress destroys cells, reduces the protective functions of the body, provokes the development of somatic diseases - stomach ulcers, cardiovascular pathologies, bronchial asthma.
Alcohol and drug addiction develop against the background of constant stress. Chronic stress leads to obsessions, phobias, panic attacks, depression.
The main way to get rid of stress is to eliminate the factor that caused it. A set of measures will help to cope with a stressful condition:
One of the most effective ways to cope with stress is through sports training. According to research by Swedish scientists, exercise improves mood through the production of neurotransmitters during activity. They reduce cortisol levels and help relieve stress. People who exercise regularly have several times less risk of stress.
An hour of training is enough to keep you calm and resist annoying factors. Sports activities stimulate the natural production of endorphins, cause mild muscle fatigue and thus have a soothing effect. As a result, the sleep pattern is normalized, and anxiety is reduced. Regular workouts prevent professional burnout and reduce emotional stress. Group sports activities will expand the circle of friends. Constant physical activity is several times more effective than psychotherapy.
Stress is the body's defense response to an irritating factor. If you follow the recommendations for proper nutrition, daily routine, and physical activity, stress can be easily overcome without health consequences.
