It is estimated that 90% of diseases are caused by stress. If we can get a handle on the stress that affects our lives, we might be able to live longer, healthier, happier lives.
Merriam-Webster defines stress as: "a physical, chemical, or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension and may be a factor in disease causation; a state resulting from a stress: one of bodily or mental tension resulting from factors that tend to alter an existent equilibrium".
Stress can be a positive force that keeps us alert, ready to avoid or handle danger or meet deadlines. It can also enhance our emotional intelligence and creative capabilities.
Merriam-Webster defines stress as: "a physical, chemical, or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension and may be a factor in disease causation; a state resulting from a stress: one of bodily or mental tension resulting from factors that tend to alter an existent equilibrium".
Stress can be a positive force that keeps us alert, ready to avoid or handle danger or meet deadlines. It can also enhance our emotional intelligence and creative capabilities.
But, stress can also be a negative force that weakens our immune system and makes us susceptible for multiple diseases and health problems.
Stress can come from your external environment, your inner thoughts and your body itself.
During a 'fight or flight' instance, the body releases stress hormones to allow a burst of strength and endurance. For example, your heart speeds up, your breathing quickens, your muscles tense, digestion stops, and blood flow to your muscles and brain increase up to 400%.
When you are under stress, the 'fight or flight' hormones still flood your system, and after repeated instances, this reaction can harm your physical, mental and emotional health.
Stress is known to build up and when symptoms start to surface, it's the body's way of getting our attention to do something about it.
In
addition to the physical and biochemical impacts, stress can impact you
emotionally. If you're under a lot of stress, this can cause you to be
more impatient with others, more angry, more unhappy, more anxious, more
negative about life, etc. And, these negative emotions trigger your
body to release stress hormones like cortisol and norepinephrine, which, in turn, can
negatively affect your health.
Stress IndicatorsStress can come from your external environment, your inner thoughts and your body itself.
During a 'fight or flight' instance, the body releases stress hormones to allow a burst of strength and endurance. For example, your heart speeds up, your breathing quickens, your muscles tense, digestion stops, and blood flow to your muscles and brain increase up to 400%.
When you are under stress, the 'fight or flight' hormones still flood your system, and after repeated instances, this reaction can harm your physical, mental and emotional health.
Stress is known to build up and when symptoms start to surface, it's the body's way of getting our attention to do something about it.
Stress
can impact almost any part of your body, depending on which part of
your body is the weakest and the most susceptible to disease.
Constant
stress over a long period of time can break down your body and weaken your
immune system. This, in turn, can create major biochemical/hormonal
imbalances and cause damage to major organs, making you susceptible to a
variety of diseases and health issues, i.e. headaches, indigestion,
allergies, high blood pressure, weight gain, heart attacks, strokes,
diabetes, heart disease, cancer, depression, and autoimmune diseases.
You may notice one or more of these signs when your body is under a lot of stress:
- Anger
- Anxiety disorders (OCD, panic attacks)
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Cancer
- Chemical dependence (drugs, alcohol, nicotine)
- Chest pain
- Chronic fatigue
- Circulatory system problems (feeling cold, or hot and sweating)
- Cold / flu
- Depression
- Diabetes (High blood sugar levels)
- Dizziness, light-headedness
- Eating disorders
- Exhaustion
- Hair loss
- Headaches / migraines
- Heart disease (heart attack, stroke)
- High blood pressure
- Hormonal changes
- Immune system disorders (a compromised immune system can lead to the majority of all diseases - the immune system is the most important factor in overall health)
- Infertility
- Interleukin-6 (high levels of this immune system protein have been associated with diseases such as cancer, diabetes, infections, heart disease, osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis).
- Loss of energy and motivation
- Memory lapses
- Menstrual irregularity
- Mood swings
- Muscle aches and pains
- Nervous system
- Nightmares
- Post traumatic stress disorder (flashbacks, re-living traumatic events)
- Sexual dysfunction
- Skin conditions (breakouts, rashes, cold sores)
- Sleep disturbances
- Speaking and swallowing difficulty
- Stomach distress (nausea, indigestion, ulcers, constipation, diarrhea)
- TMJ (Temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders are problems or symptoms of the chewing muscles and joints that connect your lower jaw to your skull).
- Weight gain /obesity
- Weight loss (unwanted)
Note: How to manage stress will be discussed in a future post.
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