Currently, a stress-free life seems like a utopia, but if certain levels of stress are considered normal because they are adaptive responses to circumstances, chronic or very intense stress is a state of activation of the nervous system that is associated with several processes prolonged. term illnesses.
We cannot live in a state of continuous tension; our body can’t take it and sends its signals through the disease, so avoiding stress is good for our health.
- Stress is a response that the brain triggers when it perceives an external threat.
- Which can be a deadline for the delivery of a job or a threat of flight from which you must escape.
- Because of our ability to imagine.
- We may be stressed by thoughts that are not real facts.
The voice of the ego constantly changes the body’s natural state of well-being. Almost all human bodies are subject to significant pressure and stress, not because they are threatened by an external factor, but by the action of their mind.
Eckhart Tolle-
Normal daily stress, which occurs in the face of a situation that we must solve, is positive because it puts our body in a state of attention that allows us to react faster, with more energy and concentration, is a tension that prepares us for action. .
However, cases of chronic stress leave us in a state of permanent stress that consumes our energy, unbalances hormones and therefore impairs our health.
We mention here the main effects that this state of tension and mental fatigue has on our health, but we must be clear that stress is caused by a confluence of factors.
? Depression and anxiety: Chronic long-term stress can cause states of depression and anxiety due to hormonal imbalance and the energy expenditure involved.
? Skin problems and hair loss: rashes such as acne or eczema can be caused by continuous tension; other conditions such as atopic dermatitis or psoriasis get worse with stress, and there may be excessive hair loss, which in some cases can lead to total baldness.
? Menstrual problems: Stress is intimately related to hormones, whose prolonged imbalance can cause menstrual problems, ranging from painful periods to irregular menstrual cycles; in the most severe cases, menstruation may go away.
? Digestive problems: Stress impairs the functioning of the digestive system, digestion slows down, “everything goes wrong”, alters intestinal transit and is closely linked to the appearance of stomach ulcers, as it increases the production of digestive acids.
? Sleep problems: Stressful situations prevent us from sleeping or wake us up in the middle of the night, insomnia problems cause extra wear and tear, as fatigue from a bad night’s sleep affects our performance during the day.
? Arterial and heart problems: prolonged mental fatigue and tension are linked to serious illnesses, such as high blood pressure and coronary heart disease; although its effects appear in the long term, they are very serious and it is necessary to reduce stress.
? Weight problems: stress often causes us to overeat, the brain cannot perceive the signals that indicate that we are satisfied, so stress is related to weight problems and even diabetes.
Depending on the situation that generates tension and the tendency to anxiety in each person, it is very difficult to completely eradicate stress, however, there are some things we can do to minimize it.
? Sport is an excellent ally against stress. The practice of any sport releases the accumulated tensions and energies, just walking two or three times a week makes a big difference, even if other sports are more effective.
? Diet is another important aspect to consider when it comes to stress, a healthy and balanced diet, especially rich in fatty acids such as omega 3 (present in fish), helps reduce stress. A well-fed body is a healthy body.
? The practice of relaxing activities such as mindfulness, yoga, meditation or relaxation techniques is very beneficial for reducing stress. Sometimes finding time for yourself makes all the difference. Take a dip, walk, meditate?
? Being close to loved ones and people who provide psychological support at difficult times or that generate anxiety is one of the essential aspects of managing stress.
After a pleasant afternoon with a friend or family member, where you feel welcome, the level of stress decreases considerably, and physical contact and expressions of affection have been scientifically shown to improve the health of people with anxiety or depression.