Stress is a condition that affects each of us. It is a natural reaction to situations that we perceive as challenges. It can be motivating and help us jump into higher productivity mode. But when stress starts to turn into anxiety or even panic, it becomes a nuisance and can have negative effects on our health.
What exactly is stress?
Stress is the body’s normal reaction to stressful situations. It can be a good thing if it is short-lived and does not threaten our health or safety. However, prolonged stress can have long-term effects on our health. It can cause sleep problems, anxiety, lowered immunity and other health problems.
How does stress work?
Stress triggers a series of reactions in our body to prepare us for action. When we sense danger, our brain sends a signal to the body that triggers a “fight-or-flight response.” Our body then produces adrenaline and norepinephrine, the stress hormone, which increase energy levels. So stress helps us get the job done faster and more efficiently, but when it lasts too long, it can cause serious health problems.
Causes of stress
There are many different causes of stress. They can be stressful situations at work, family conflicts, difficult life decisions or even small things, such as an excess of responsibilities or too many things to do in a short period of time. Everyone has a different level of stress tolerance, so something that is stressful for one person may not be so for another.
Effects of stress
Stress can have a negative impact on our health. It can lead to sleep problems, headaches, lowered immunity and other health problems. Long-term stress can lead to serious diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and others. Stress can also affect our behavior and cause problems in relationships with others.