Stress is our body's natural way of coping with sudden changes in our environment. In many ways, stress contrary to it's negative connotation, is good for us. It keeps us on our toes, makes our minds alert, and activates our brains to think fast in response to a possible threat or danger.
A person under stress my develop assorted symptoms of such ulcers, asthma and palpitation. It can also affect the hormones and alter the immune system, which can make a person susceptible to respiratory diseases. A woman's menstrual cycle can also be affected by stress. Cognitively she can find it hard to make decisions. Her feelings can also fluctuate depending on the intensity of the stress.
Other mental symptom include tension, irritability and inability to concentrate, excessive fatigue and trouble sleeping. Physically, the immediate symptoms include a dry mouth, a pounding heart, difficulty breathing, an upset stomach, frequent urination, sweaty palms, tight muscles and trembling.
Sources of stress can come from anywhere and everywhere. Unwashed dishes, early morning traffic, deadlines at work, a rocky relationship, calamities . Stress can be encountered in the most ordinary to the most catastrophic situations. But once the stressful situation is gone, the body goes back to it's normal mode once more.
Stress can either be overcome or it can reach a point where it incapacitates a person. The difference lies in how she or he is able to snap out of the situations and control it rather than the other way around. Stress can be fatal if the person's coping mechanism is problematic. Sometimes when a person's sense of control is threatened, it can contribute to depression and even trauma, especially if the stress is persistent. When this happens, therapy maybe needed. A person should seek therapy if her coping mechanism are faulty and it is starting to put a stress on her relationships.
Stress is not always negative, there is such thing as positive stress - like giving birth. There is a type called "eustress", which is a short term stress that provides immediate strength like when an athlete is about to compete. This usually happens near moments of increased physical activity, enthusiasm and creativity.
BE aware, stress is always a part of our life. We should learn to deal with it so we can manage better the next time we find ourselves in a stressful situation. Some research syas that stressful experinces help enhance our memory and learning - thanks to the chemicals released in our brains like adrenaline, which improves our alertness.
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