Good & Bad
Stress is generally viewed as a harmful condition or ailment. It’s important to understand that stress is not always hurtful; it is the body’s natural response to defend itself against any kind of danger –under the proper circumstances, stress can actually help you stay focused and full of energy so you can get through “emergency”, “dangerous”, or “tense” situations.
Overdrive, Over-done, Too Much!
However, like everything else in life, excessive stress can be extremely harmful. In the long run, stress can have a wide range of effects on your body, mind, and even your behavior. The worst part of it all is that most people don’t even realize they are suffering the effects of stress until it starts to seriously damage their health and significantly reduce their quality of life.
No Big Deal? Think Again…
- Stress can alter your eating habits and cause serious conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome
- Stress can affect your sleeping habits, whether it be not being able to sleep at all, or sleeping too much (both will make you feel extremely tired during most of the day)
- Stress can cause your immune system to shut down, leaving you defenseless –which may lead to DEATH if a life-threatening illness happens to strike when your defenses are down.
- Stress can cause serious heart problems and high blood pressure, which are also health conditions that may lead to DEATH.
Watch OUT! Warning Signs
- Having trouble with your memory – being unable to remember simple things or elements within your daily routine
- You’re constantly anxious –having to deal with constant anxiety caused by no apparent reason is usually a sign of stress
- Pessimism –You constantly focus on the negative aspects of things
- Short temper –you easily become angry
- Feeling depressed –feeling sad with no apparent reason
- Stomach problems –constant diarrhea or constipation
- Unhealthy eating habits –overeating or not eating enough
- Chest pains
- Loss of sex drive –the loss of libido is commonly associated with depression or low self-esteem. Seek medical help to determine if its origin is physiological, psychological, or stress-related.
Feeling Desperate, Hopeless, Or Useless?
If you find you feel hopeless and feel like there is just not much to live for, then your stress has gone too far! Technically, this may no longer represent stress – but depression or other mental health condition. It is important to see a medical professional if you are feeling this way. There are things that can be done to help you.
Relax, Renew, Rejuvenate!
The bottom line is that you need to learn to relax and eliminate stress before it slowly eliminates you! Make it a point to create a routine that works to relieve stress. Exercise and Laughter are my top two. What are yours?
