Trembling hands? Unjustified outbursts of anger? Problems with sleeping? Headaches? Hair loss? Stomach pain? Intolerance? Problems with memory? Lethargy? These signals are the body's response and may be associated with increased stress*, the development of which is primarily influenced by negative stimuli.
What is stress?
Stress is usually defined as a state of “continuous tension” or “persistent anxiety”. What's more: the body's response to stress is change, which requires a physical, mental and emotional response. In this way, the stress potential changes. In a dynamic world, everything is constantly changing, so it's no wonder that stress has become endemic.
Do we realize when we are under stress?
Each person's response to a difficult situation, i.e. physical, emotional and behavioral changes, may be completely different. In unexpected situations, you may experience immediate shaking, sweating, high heart rate, shortness of breath, muscle tension, headaches, panic, or anger. Constant, negative stress can affect your health. Anxiety, depression, digestive disorders, high blood pressure, sleep disorders, circulatory disorders are the symptoms it can cause and, in addition, it may also affect the menstrual cycle, and therefore fertility or infertility.
Who is most at risk?
Different research groups identify different social groups as most vulnerable. According to some, these are older people, others say the risk is highest for active women. However, for example, returning to work or school after the holidays or after a long break can cause stress. This means that stress is present in our lives, so we need to be careful!
How to deal with stress? – Good tips to implement:
1. Try to honestly assess the current situation and imagine the worst that could happen.
2. Prepare yourself, think about how to cope with it if it happens.
3. If you are prepared for the worst, try to imagine what you could do to achieve better results.
So is there a solution?
Because the causes and symptoms are different, no solution can be one, universal, common to everyone. Yoga, tai chi, meditation, or even some form of Stress Management training or sports can help. Some people have a good book and a cup of herbal tea or an aromatherapy bath; others de-stress by spending time in nature. A proper diet can contribute to better tolerance of stress. Magnesium, B vitamins, and individual herbs (e.g. Rhodiola) may help. The key is to try to change or avoid stressful situations!
* All these symptoms can be caused by other diseases as well. Therefore, whether any of them are long-term and very experienced, please consult your doctor!
