On a regular basis, we use the word I’m stressed up.
What does this really entails?
Stress can be defined as any type of change that causes physical, emotional or physiological strain. It is one’s body response to anything that requires action or attention.
We all experience stress to some degree, but the way we respond to stress makes a big difference.
Stress can be short term or long – term. Both can lead to a variety of symptoms, but chronic stress can take a serious toll on the body over time and have a long lasting health effects.
We all experience stress to some degree, but the way we respond to stress makes a big difference.
Stress can be short term or long – term. Both can lead to a variety of symptoms, but chronic stress can take a serious toll on the body over time and have a long lasting health effects.
Stress symptoms may be affecting your health, even though you might not realise it. You may think a certain illness is to blame for that irritating headache, frequent insomnia or decreased productivity. But stress might actually be the cause.
Stress mostly comes from the daily activities we engage in, at work, at school, with family and friends, which can take a toll on your mind and body.
Things to watch out for to know when stressed:
A) Psychological signs: Difficulty concentrating, worrying, anxiety and trouble remembering things.
B) Emotional Signs: you tend to be angry ,irritated, moody or frustrated.
C) Physical signs: High blood pressure, changes in weight, frequent colds, changes in menstrual cycle and libido.
D) Behavioural Signs: Poor self care, not having time for things you enjoy.
Types of stress
Not all types of stress are harmful or even negative.
Acute stress: Acute stress is a very short-term type of stress that can either be positive or more distressing; this is the type of stress we most often encounter in day-to-day life.
Chronic stress: Chronic stress is stress that seems never-ending and inescapable, like the stress of a bad marriage or an extremely taxing job; chronic stress can also stem from traumatic experiences and childhood trauma.
Episodic acute stress: Episodic acute stress is acute stress that seems to run rampant and be a way of life, creating a life of ongoing distress.
Eustress: Eustress is fun and exciting. It’s known as a positive type of stress that can keep you energized. It’s associated with surges of adrenaline, such as when you are skiing or racing to meet a deadline.
Chronic stress can have a serious impact on your health as well. If you experience chronic stress, your autonomic nervous system will be overactive, which is likely to damage your body.
TREATMENT
Stress is not a distinct medical diagnosis and there is no specific treatment for it. Treatment for stress focuses on changing the situation, implementating relaxation techniques and treating symptoms or conditions that may have been caused by chronic stress.
Some interventions that may be helpful include therapy, medication, and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).
Medication
Medication may sometimes be prescribed to address some specific symptoms that are related to stress. Such medications may include sleep aids, antacids, antidepressants, and anti-anxiety medications.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine:
Some complementary approaches that may also be helpful for reducing stress include acupuncture, aromatherapy, massage, yoga, and meditation.
Coping
Although stress is inevitable, it can be manageable. When you understand the toll it takes on you and the steps to combat stress, you can take charge of your health and reduce the impact stress has on your life.
Learn to recognize the signs of burnout. High levels of stress may place you at a high risk of burnout. Burnout can leave you feeling exhausted and apathetic about your job. When you start to feel symptoms of emotional exhaustion, it’s a sign that you need to find a way to get a handle on your stress.
Try to get regular exercise.
Take care of yourself: Incorporating regular self-care activities into your daily life is essential to stress management. Learn how to take care of your mind, body , and spirit and discover how to equip yourself to live your best life.
The word of God is practical way to take care of one’s Spirit. Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones( Prov16:24)
Practice mindfulness in your life. Mindfulness isn’t just something you practice for 10 minutes each day. It can also be a way of life. Discover how to live more mindfully throughout your day so you can become more awake and conscious throughout your life.
If you or a loved one are struggling with stress open up and cry out for help. As Daughters of God cry out to your father. He is ready to assist us. Don’t feel overwhelmed by storms.
