Stress Related Illnesses

Dangerous Effects of Uncontrolled Stress

Stress comes from the external forces in our lives that push our buttons and provoke extreme emotions. Although we commonly think of stress coming from the frustrations and low points in life, high points and achievements are stressful as well. Health problems caused by stress are estimated to lead to 75 to 90% of all doctor visits. It has been dubbed as the No#1 SILENT KILLER in the World.

Stress is the body's way of physically preparing to either fight off or run from the stressful/danger situation we are about to encounter(also known as the fight or flight response). Stress releases powerful neurochemicals and hormones that prepare us for action. These hormones which are produced from the Adrenal Glands are called Cortisols, which used to be of an important benefit to humankind survival during the earlier man civilisation. Now in the modern world, since most situations do not require us to do either, the effects of stress can sometimes be counterproductive. Somehow, stress hormones that are designed to deal with short-term danger stay turned on for a long time, putting your body always on "Red Alert".

 

Cortisol affects numerous physiological systems including immune function, glucose counter-regulation, vascular tone and bone metabolism. Cortisol is also involved in the response to stressors and is essential for carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism. Cortisol, DHEA, testosterone and oestrogen are all produced in the adrenals. Decreased levels of each of these hormones have been shown in various scientific studies to be associated with depression. These hormones increase blood pressure, heart rate(cardivascular problem), blood sugar levels and obesity among some of the known stress related illnesses. Stress hollows out our bones and atrophies our muscles. It triggers adult onset diabetes.

 

3 Types Of STRESS

 

Mental / Emotion

 Physical

Environment

 

Stress can lead to diminished sexual desire in women. Stress response can also cause temporary impotence in men. Maternal stress during pregnancy has been linked to a higher risk for miscarriage, lower birth weights, and increased incidence of premature births.

 

Stress in the workplace reduces productivity, increases management pressures, and makes people ill in many ways, evidence of which is still increasing. Workplace stress affects the performance of the brain, including functions of work performance; memory, concentration, and learning. Stress levels can vary widely even in identical situations for different reasons. Stress, nonetheless, is synonymous with negative conditions. Today, with the rapid diversification of human activity, we come face to face with numerous causes of stress and the symptoms of anxiety and depression.

 

Prolonged and nagging "worry" issues that you are facing may possibly be called stress, in these modern times. Worry about not having enough money to pay your bills, worry about family or about love ones, etc. Stress that is not managed or treated can lead to significant medical illnesses and anxiety disorders that can result in depression.

 

SIDE NOTE: ABOUT GOOD STRESS

Stress in these situations is the kind that helps you "rise" to a challenge and meet your goals such as deadlines, sales or production targets, or finding new clients. Without some stress, people would not get a lot done. Some people would not consider this challenge a type of stress because, having met the challenge, we are satisfied and happy.

Examples of serious stress related symptoms:

1.  Headaches/Migraines

2.  Fatigue/Low Immune

3.  High Blood Sugar/Diabetes

4.  Upset Stomach/Acid reflux

5.  Elevated Blood Pressure/Hypertension

6.  Chest Pain/Anxiety Attack

7.  Sleeping Problem/Insomnia

8.  Cardiovascular/Heart Attack

9.  Premature Menopause

10. Impotency

11. Depression

 

Handling Stress / Stress Control

Chronic (long-term) stress can also contribute to anxiety and depression. Chronic thought patterns are like tapes that play constantly in the background, sort of like a non-stop dispiriting Musik. One way to tackle stress-inducing thoughts is by replacing them with more uplifting thoughts. Meditation is one the most effective way to balance the stress level, but it has to be done with guidance and positive motivation from an experience practitioner.

Physical exercise is another one of the most effective ways of relieving stress. Exercising the body regularly is very effective in managing stress, on its own or as a part of a stress management plan. Physical activity for a child or adult doesn't just start to help them adjust to the changes in their body. It's scientifically proven that physical activity will help to switch on particular hormones and chemicals within the brain.

 

Examples Of a Non-Drug Intervention for Stress Management

There are several ways of coping with stress. Some techniques of time management may help a person to control stress. In the face of high demands, effective stress management involves learning to set limits and to refuse some demands that others make. The following techniques have been recently dubbed “Destressitizers” by The Journal of the Canadian Medical Association. A destressitizer is any process by which an individual can relieve stress. Techniques of stress management will vary according to the theoretical paradigm adhered to, but may include some of the following: (article here: wiki)

    * Autogenic training

    * Cognitive therapy

    * Conflict resolution

    * Exercise

    * Getting a hobby

    * Meditation

    * Deep breathing

    * Yoga Nidra 

    * Nootropics

    * Relaxation techniques

    * Artistic Expression

    * Fractional relaxation

    * Progressive relaxation

    * Spas

    * Somatics training

    * Spending time in nature

    * Stress balls

    * Natural medicine

    * Clinically validated alternative treatments

    * Time management

    * Listening to certain types of relaxing music, particularly:

          o New Age music

          o Classical music

          o Psychedelic music

          o Sleep Music 

 

Alternatively, fast and immediate results can be achieved by introducing ADAPTOGENS to your body. 

Adaptogens are natural herbs and safe for all age.

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