Stress is a form of emotional and physical tension that occurs because of how events in one’s external or internal environment are perceived, resulting in the psychological experience of distress and anxiety. Stress is our body’s response to a challenge or demand resulting from a surge of chemicals and harmones throughout the body. People commonly refer to this as the fight-or-flight mechanism. Stress should normally subside after the response occurs. Constant stress attacks can have a negative impact on your long term health
and can get your heart beating faster due to sending blood to muscles and important organs.
What are the common signs or symptoms of stress?
The physical effects of stress can include:
· sweating
· pain in the back or chest
· cramps or muscle spasms
· fainting
· headaches
· nervous twitches
· pins and needles sensations
A 2012 study found that the stressors that parents experience, such as financial troubles or managing a single-parent household, may also lead to obesity in their children.
Emotional reactions can include:
· Anger
· Burnout
· Concentration issues
· Fatigue
· A feeling of insecurity
· Forgetfulness
· Irritability
· Nail biting
· Restlessness
· Sadness
Stress-associated behaviours include :
·Food cravings and eating too much or too little
· Sudden angry outbursts
· Drug and alcohol misuse
· Higher tobacco consumption
· Social withdrawal
· Frequent crying
· Relationship problems
If stress becomes chronic, it can lead to several complications, including
· Anxiety
· Depression
· Heart disease
· High blood pressure
· Lower immunity against diseases
· Muscular aches
· PTSD
· Sleeping difficulties
· Stomach upset
· Erectile dysfunction (impotence) and loss of libido
