Since the time when people moved from villages to large cities, our lives have become filled with stress. But we have gotten used to not noticing it—stress has become an inseparable part of us: overworking, constant rush, and sleep problems. However, we must not forget that stress is an unfavorable factor for the body.
What is Stress?
Stress is a specific response of the body to various stimuli, both positive and negative. The cause of stress can be any unusual situation for us: failures at work, intense emotional experiences, or direct danger to life.
Short-term stress is beneficial for a person. The body actively produces cortisol and adrenaline—hormones that help us mobilize all our forces to solve a specific task, such as escaping from a life-threatening situation. Afterward, the levels of cortisol and adrenaline return to normal.
The real danger to our body comes from long-term stress. Due to the constant production of hormones and prolonged states of "alertness," the body expends enormous amounts of energy. This leads to emotional and physical exhaustion.
Emotional exhaustion leads to the following stress symptoms:
- Worsened mood: constant apathy, frequent outbursts of aggression, or sharp mood swings;
- Increased anxiety, panic attacks;
- Memory problems, attention disorders;
- In some cases, stress can contribute to the development of depression.
The physical exhaustion symptoms include:
- Loss of appetite or episodes of compulsive overeating (the desire to "eat away" stress);
- Sharp weight loss or gain;
- Digestive disorders;
- Insomnia and other sleep disturbances;
- Worsening immune system function.
The last symptom is the most dangerous for the body. The weaker the immune system, the higher the chances of getting sick.
To avoid the unpleasant consequences of stress, it is important to follow a few tips:
- Engage in regular physical activity—start jogging in the mornings, do exercises, or, if there are no contraindications, take up swimming or any other sport.
- Monitor your diet—eat fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts. It's better to avoid fatty foods and fast food.
- Give up harmful habits—smoking, alcohol, and, if possible, limit caffeine intake.
- Take breaks during work. Don’t forget about rest and healthy sleep (at least 8 hours a day).
- Don't keep your worries inside—share them with people you trust. If necessary, consult a psychotherapist.