Stress can be a reaction to various stimuli – physical, mental, emotional. Some stressful situations have a beneficial effect on people, but if the tension is too high or lasts too long, then we stop coping with problems and even acquire various diseases. Therefore, everyone must learn how to effectively deal with the inevitable stress.
Effects
A stressful situation can be energizing and energizing. There are people who literally thrive in stressful situations, but most of them react negatively to stress. When stress passes, the concentration of stress hormones in the body tends to decrease and you can relax. However, if the stress continues for a long time or is often repeated, then the concentration of these hormones remains high. This happens in situations where we get used to react strongly to everyone, even the smallest stress.
Diseases that stress can cause are hypertension, heart attacks and congestion, depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue syndrome, a number of diseases of the digestive system, obesity, migraine and various diseases of the respiratory system. Constant stress also makes us more susceptible to infection, developing cancer and autoimmune diseases, that is, those in which the immune system turns against the cells of its own body. Excessive stress can contribute to cigarette smoking, overeating, and alcoholism.
Causes of stress
A lot of them. These include:
- loss of someone close;
- relationship problems;
- financial difficulties;
- loss of work;
- lack of rest and relaxation;
- boredom;
- poor health.
Prevention of stress
It is not always possible to prevent events that trigger the stress response. But you can change the way you react to stressful situations. It is worth learning how to deal with stressful situations, so that the next time he catches up, apply the most appropriate defense option and make sure that the level of stress hormones decreases. And we can more easily accept what life presents.
Stress treatment
To deal effectively with stress, you need to understand what is causing it and who is causing it, and how you respond. Then you need to try to avoid too much stress. In moments of stress, the body burns its reserves faster than usual, which sometimes leads to a deficiency, and this can lead, among other things, to a weakening of the immune system. This can be avoided by replenishing the body’s resources through appropriate nutrition or by using specialized drugs.
Stress diet
Eat regularly, without haste and at rest, meals rich in vitamins A, B, C, E, flavonoids. Drink less alcoholic and caffeinated drinks . Eat cereals and reduce the amount of foods containing animal proteins, as well as foods made from white flour and added sugar, which lower immunity. Take daily vitamin supplements with trace elements.
Meditation
By using meditation, you can start worrying less about the causes of stress. Basic meditation techniques can be learned in courses taught by a competent teacher. Set aside time every day to meditate.
Herbal medicines
Infusions of soothing herbs are very helpful in stressful situations. Drink a cup of chamomile, valerian, lemon balm, or clover infusion. The following essences are recommended:
Other therapies
A psychologist or psychotherapist can help you better manage stress and determine why you are not coping well with it. Acupuncture, massage, and yoga reduce stress symptoms.
When is a doctor needed?
When stress is found to negatively affect work or relationships with others. When you experience physical symptoms of stress – heart rhythm disturbances, shortness of breath, or headache.