Handling Stress

The word stress often stirs up a negative image in the mind. Not all stress is bad. In 1936 Hans Selye coined the term "stress" and defined it as "the nonspecific response of the body to any demand for change." Stress activates hormonal autonomic responses. Constant activation of these responses can lead to ulcers, high blood pressure, arthritis, arteriosclerosis, kidney disease, and allergic reactions, 

Some stressors elicit a positive response within the body. However, it depends on how the body has been conditioned to respond to that stimulus. Some responses are passed down from our parents via the genetic pathway. Other responses are learned. An example of good stress is thirst. It can occur when your body needs to be hydrated. The natural response to thirst is to drink -hopefully water is the drink of choice. It can result in your body's need for hydration being met by you drinking water. An example of a negative stressor can be something non-physical such as bad news. The typical response to bad news is sadness or anger. Both of these responses trigger a chemical cascade within the body that leads to a  blood pressure response. That response often results in a rise in blood pressure among other physiological results.

Each of us deal with stressors in our own way -many of which are often negative. They lead to negative outcomes which may include illnesses and even injury. That' why finding positive ways to handle stress may benefit you more than you can imagine. 

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) lists the following ways to handle stress:

• Be observant. Notice signs of how your body responds to stress. Signs include increased alcohol and other substance use, feeling depressed, being easily angered, struggling to sleep, feeling low on energy.
• Talk to your health care provider or a health professional. Don't wait to be asked about stress. 
• Get regular exercise. Just 30 min of exercise can be a great mood booster and aid in improving your health.
• Try a relaxing activity. Try relaxation or wellness programs that may include muscle relaxation, meditation, or breathing exercises.
• Set goals and priorities. Do the most important stuff first. Rather than lamenting on what you did not get done, consider what you accomplished during the day.
• Stay connected. You don't have to deal with this alone. Seek help. Resources range from friends to family and organizations that offer programs to help you handle stress.
• Consider a clinical trial. The National Institute of Mental Health and other organizations are studying what causes stress, the affects it has and ways to manage it.

Stress can be debilitating when not dealt with properly. If you feel overwhelmed by it talk with a health professional and get help immediately.