What is Stress?
Stress is a biological response to the demands of one’s internal or external environment. Exercise, changes in temperature, allergies, relationship issues, weird smells, and loud noises are some examples that cause stress and changes in the body. Some of these stressors are very common, short-lived, and viewed as acute.
Chronic, persistent stress caused by negative internal or external challenges tends to stick around and cause health issues. Chronic stressors include:
- injury or illness
- job loss
- death of a loved one
- imprisonment
- debt
- poverty
- unsatisfactory relationships
- perfectionism
In a healthy stress response, hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol increase to meet the demands of the stressor. Once the stressor is gone, hormone levels return back to normal and regular systemic activities become regular again.
When a stress response is repeatedly activated, it becomes unhealthy and causes a vicious cycle of internal chaos. Just imagine being in defense mode all the time – it becomes exhausting. Biochemical imbalance is what happens as a result of chronic stress.
Reducing Stress
The quality of one’s life is significantly influenced by one’s vulnerability to stress. Also, each person’s unique experiences influence and shape his or her preferred style of coping. Just know that whichever situation is causing you stress can be resolved naturally and effectively. There are many ways to cope and find balance in your life again. You can improve your ability to handle and reduce stress by:
- Exercising. Exercise is an acutely stressful activity that releases endorphins capable of exciting and relaxing the body. Not only does exercise elevate one’s mood, it also reduces stress hormones. Intense workouts are not necessary to see positive results; walking briskly through the park or neighborhood can also reduce stress.
- Eating a whole, plant-based diet. Nutrients from a healthy diet have a long-term effect on a person’s well-being. Carbohydrates and tryptophan-rich foods have been found to increase serotonin levels. Serotonin is the “happiness and confidence” hormone that can improve your ability to cope with stressful events.
- Doing something you love. Doing the things you love can be very soothing to the soul. Make sure, though, that the activity is within your means of time and money – you don’t need any additional stress!
- Self-improvement talks and readings. Perhaps some peptalk or an inspirational story may help you realize a better way to cope with stress. Sometimes we need something to reframe our minds to reduce the tendency of blowing things up out of proportion. There are plenty of people sharing their personal stories online, in books, and at local events.
- Meditating. Meditation can help you relax and focus your attention, especially when deep breathing is a focus. Starting small, setting goals, and being open to trying different styles can can improve the likelihood that you will truly enjoy it.
- Connecting with others. Mingling with new and familiar faces can calm the nerves and lighten up the spirit. Exchange a smile, kind words, or offer some help however you can.
- Getting good sleep. Although stress can cause sleep problems, sometimes the lack of sleep can influence cortisol levels to rise. Sleep deprivation can also cause irritability, feelings of unfulfillment, and eventually stress.
- Asking for help. Some people would rather do things all by themselves, and I totally respect that. But, even superheroes need a sidekick – think, Batman and Robin! Dependability may be your middle name, but you can make your life easier by delegating tasks after teaching folks how to get a job done.