According to Rachael Link, stress can be defined as the feeling of being overwhelmed or unable to cope with mental or emotional pressure.[1] Stress is something that we all experience from time to time, but different degrees and it may arise from different factors.
Both short- and long-term stress result in various symptoms, but chronic stress has a very severe effect on the body. Some of the symptoms of stress may include mood changes, sweaty hands, difficulty sleeping, problems with digestion, dizziness, headaches, dipped energy levels, muscle tension, along with physical aches and pains.[2]
Stress can very easily be mistaken for anxiety where great levels of stress may lead you to feel anxious. Anxiety can make it a lot more difficult to deal with stress and if not given attention, may result in more serious health problems such as depression or increased susceptibility to illnesses. The biggest difference between the two is that generally, stress is caused by external factors or events and anxiety originates from your internal reaction to stress.[2]
MedAlertHelp.org published some shocking statistics coupled with stress for this year. Just to mention a few, the statistics include that the lowest level of stress is found in individuals over the age of 72. Approximately 80% of millennials are stressed about money. One in every five college students has thought about suicide.[3] These statistics are worrying, and at the same time, the amount of stress we are facing daily has started to be considered normal. For these reasons, it is of utmost importance to be able to deal with stress and channel it into a driving force.
Stress can’t be diagnosed as a medical condition and as a result, as convenient as it would have been, there is no specific pill or treatment that will eradicate all stress from the face of the earth. The best way to deal with stress is to talk to your doctor or therapist to find the source of the stress that you are experiencing. They will also be able to determine if certain symptoms you are experiencing are a result of stress or an underlying condition you might have. Stress can also be managed by taking breaks from electronic devices, getting sufficient amounts and quality of sleep, eating nutrient-rich foods, doing breathing exercises, and avoiding excessive substance use.[1]
One of the best ways to manage stress levels is through a good exercise routine. Exercise can overall reduce your stress levels and both physically and mentally improve your quality of life.[4] Physical activity improves oxygen uptake and blood flow through the body which also has a direct positive effect on the functioning of the brain. Exercise increases the production of endorphins which are neurotransmitters responsible for the “feel good” effect you experience when you exercise. Another benefit of physical exercise in terms of managing stress is that it requires focus and will easily take your mind off the factors contributing to stress.[4]
In conclusion, not all types of stress are bad. One, in particular, called eustress, is fun and exciting stress that keeps you energized and is generally associated with surges in adrenaline levels.[2] Gain the knowledge of how to manage stress and never hesitate to visit a healthcare professional when you feel overwhelmed or burned out.
