Factors That Can Cause Stress in Your Life

There are many factors in our lives that can cause stress. Things like work deadlines, financial troubles, congested traffic, and arguments can cause stress.
 
Stress is a natural reaction. Stress can become a problem when these pressures become overwhelming, and in some cases, can be a precursor to anxiety disorders and depression.
 
Thankfully, stress is very manageable, and a little stress can even help you perform better. There are many ways to deal with stress, and simple techniques practiced frequently can really help.
 
The body deals with acute stress by releasing chemicals that tell the body that it is in danger, and therefore activates the flight or fight response. This response is a survival mechanism that prepares the body to face danger. Changes seen during this response include increased heart rate, rapid breathing, dry mouth and sweating. Long term exposure to stress, and the exposure of the body to high levels of hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, can lead to increased vulnerability to illnesses, such as depression, obesity, heart disease, among others, and is not a healthy state to be in.
 
The symptoms of stress can vary between different individuals. The most common symptoms are:

• Sleep disturbances
• Muscle tension
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Shame
• Guilt
• Hopelessness
• Tiredness
• Lack of motivation
• Difficulty concentrating
• Change in eating habits
• Increased use of alcohol or other drugs
• Unhealthy eating and decreased level of exercise

 
These symptoms, in turn, affect how you deal with the events that cause stress, thereby worsening the stress.
 
You can learn to manage stress by using various techniques, such as monitoring and challenging the way you think about events, slow breathing, and solving your problems in a structured manner. In addition to this, exercising, cutting down on drug and alcohol use, and doing things you enjoy can help in coping with stress.
 
We all want to feel healthy and happy, but the reality of life is that there are good times and bad times. Everyone has ups and downs. Even though you may feel as if you are alone you are not. Many people struggle with stress daily, but things do change, and stressful times do pass.
 
You don’t have to do get through this by yourself. Help is only a phone call away. Contact me on 084 779 4889 or [email protected]. Visit my website on www.nadinetherapy.co.za.
 
Credit: thiswayup.org.au