The Hidden Cost of Stress: How It Impacts Your Brain and Body
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Stress can influence both physical and mental health. Prolonged stress can lead to a lot of concerns such as headaches, ulcers, anxiety disorders and hypertension. These can be dangerous and further impact different aspects of an individual’s daily functioning. Personal self-care, professional life, social life, etc, can get impacted because of stress. One may experience chronic stress due to a lot of concerns such as financial crisis, examination stress and loss of a loved one.
If you or a loved one is struggling with stress-related issues, then remember you are not alone, and you can seek support!
Understanding Stress and Its Hidden Costs
Stress is a common experience across different age groups for various reasons. For instance, a student might feel stressed because of a surprise test, whereas a working professional might feel stressed because of deadlines.
The concept of stress strain curve helps in understanding that, beyond a certain point, stress can harm one’s health. Chronic stress may lead to numerous issues, such as heart disease, a weakened immune system, and effects on mental processes.
What Is Stress?
Stress can be described as the way in which the body responds when facing a demanding stimulus. Hans Selye has done in-depth research on stress and defined it as the ‘non-specific response of the body to any demand made upon it.’
The Difference Between Good and Bad Stress
A lot of times, when one hears the word stress, the first thought that pops up is ‘it is bad’; however, something to reflect upon is that there are two types of stress.
1. Positive Stress or Eustress
The stress that makes one feel energised and makes life rewarding is known as eustress. For example, if a student feels motivated upon receiving the examination schedule and therefore will start studying regularly to achieve academic goals.
2. Negative Stress or Distress
If eustress is not managed effectively, it can turn to distress, which can impair one’s overall functioning. For example, if, because of the examination dates student experiences headaches, lack of concentration, etc.
Thus, these are the two distinct types of stress that can influence an individual’s life.
How Stress Affects Your Brain and Body
A medical and mental health practitioner can help identify the root cause of concern, and oftentimes, for a lot of concerns, the cause is chronic stress. The stress strain curve helps in understanding how, after a certain point, stress can impact one’s brain and body. You mustn't self-diagnose without proper qualifications and reach out to a professional who can rule out other causes and then help you understand the specifications of the issue.
The Mental Toll of Stress: How It Affects Your Brain
- Feeling exhausted
- Anxious and hyper-alert
- Increased irritability
- Restlessness
- Interpersonal conflicts
Physical Impacts: Stress and Your Body’s Reaction
- Feeling fatigued
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
The Long-Term Effects of Chronic Stress on Your Health
- Suicidal ideation
- Sleep disturbance
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Risk of cancer
- Decreased cognitive abilities
How to Manage Stress and Its Impact
Stress management can allow an individual to improve daily functioning and achieve the highest potential. Many different stress management techniques can make it easier for the individual to cope with distress.
How to Manage Stress: Effective Techniques to Take Control
- Physical Activity
This can involve dancing, aerobics, gym, etc, such that an individual can channelise the energy and the body feels more fit. - Goal Setting
Setting realistic goals and celebrating all the wins – be it big or small can be a motivating factor! - Time Management
Time crunch is one of the many causes of stress, and if one learns to manage time effectively, then one can stay updated with tasks and feel more relaxed.
How to Reduce Stress and Anxiety: Practical Solutions
- Support Groups
Individuals come together in a safe space with a facilitator through support groups and share their experiences with others. - Professional Support
Professional support from a counselling psychologist can allow one to identify the concerns and work on the root cause. - Journaling
Writing about one’s thoughts and maintaining a journal can act as a way to let one feel a bit lighter.
How to Relieve Stress: The Power of Self-Care
‘Self-care is not selfish’ is a statement one should try to say to oneself and take out the much-needed time for relaxing and rejuvenating! Self-care can be understood as how one’s phone needs charging to work effectively; similarly human body also needs to rest so that productivity can be increased later on.
How to Reduce Stress: Lifestyle Changes for a Healthier Mind
Stress reduction is an important part of life. It can allow one can live life to the fullest. There are a lot of lifestyle changes that can create the space for a healthier mind.
How to Reduce Stress Through Exercise and Physical Activity
Exercising, walking, aerobics and swimming are a few of the many ways in which physical activity can be done to cope with stress.
Diet and Nutrition: Foods That Help Manage Stress
Stress eating is becoming a common concern nowadays. What is being eaten and the timing also play an important role in influencing health. Becoming more aware of one’s eating habits can help in identifying the maladaptive habits and develop adaptive habits.
The Role of Social Support in Stress Reduction
Others’ support can make one feel more strengthened and confident about coping resources. It is also important to identify the right kind of social support and reduce stress through fostering healthy connections.
The Importance of Long-Term Stress Management
Long-term stress management involves changing lifestyle and developing healthier habits for a better tomorrow! There can be diverse causes of stress. During difficult times, being aware of coping skills and using them can be extremely useful to minimise the health risk.
Creating a Long-Term Stress Management Plan
You can create a long-term stress management plan with the help of expert mental health practitioners. A mental health practitioner can conduct a detailed assessment, and if there’s any stress-related disorder, such as acute stress disorder or post traumatic stress disorder then a formal diagnosis and treatment plan can also be developed.
How to Maintain a Stress-Free Mindset in a Busy World
- Physical exercise
- Support groups
- Time management
- Music and dance
- Professional support
Conclusion – Taking Control of Stress for Better Health
Take control of your stress today and pave the way for a better tomorrow with Athena Behavioral Health. We have expert mental health professionals who offer holistic support for stress management and post traumatic stress disorder. Our team uses evidence-based treatment modalities to support the clients.
You can call us at +91 9289086193, and it would be an honour to support you in this journey!
Stress has a hidden cost on your brain and body. Explore how it affects your mental and physical health, and why managing stress is key to well-being.
