Stress and Health
Ogunmola Oluwaseyi
Stress causes a biological response known as fight or flight. You either confront a threat (fight) or you avoid it (flight). But that’s a simple explanation. The stress response triggered in fight or flight is a complex mix of physical, mental and emotional reactions.
Have you ever had to give a big presentation? If so, you might remember how you felt. Your heart pounds, your breath quickens, your stomach gets butterflies and your palms get sweaty. This mind/body stress response isn’t meant to make you feel sick. In this case, it’s meant to help you perform well. This is called acute stress. It is in response to a challenge, and it goes away quickly. In the case of giving a big presentation, the response was probably over as soon as you finished presenting.
But sometimes, the stress response happens frequently. It can be triggered by more common day-to-day experiences. A spat at home. A slow commute. A work email. A bill in the mail. Over time, this type of stress, called chronic stress, can take a real toll on your emotional and physical health. Worried that you might be experiencing chronic stress? Here are some of the signs:
Feeling tired or angry
Feeling irritable or unfocused
Headaches
Not sleeping well
Feeling anxious or sad
These are all signs that stress may be working overtime in your body.
With the hectic pace of life today, many people feel the negative effects of chronic stress. But it’s worth noting that the mind/body link can also have many positive effects.
