Stress causes chemical changes in the body that, left unchecked, can have negative effects on both mental and physical health. High levels of stress contribute to health issues as diverse as depression, insomnia, heart disease, skin disorders and headaches.
The Reason for Stress
Stress is actually the physical expression of our "Fight or Flight" survival mechanisms. A threatening or tense situation triggers a... Read more >
Stress causes physiological changes that tend to weaken our immune system. When our immune system becomes compromised, our health can be negatively affected: infections and illness occur more frequently, and immune system disorders such as psoriasis and eczema can "flare up." Outbreaks of oral and genital herpes occur with greater frequency during times of stress.
Inflammatory Immune System Disorders: Psoriasis... Read more >
Stress has noticeable effects on the cardiovascular system. Who hasn't felt their heart beat faster because of stress or anxiety? Chronic stress can result in high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, strokes, heart attacks, and other cardiovascular system disorders.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a silent killer, causing few symptoms until serious complications arise. High blood pressure can lead to... Read more >
The human nervous system responds to stress in many different ways. Some people may develop migraine headaches, while others suffer from sleep deprivation or chronic fatigue. The connection between stress and nervous system health is complex: in some cases it's difficult to tell if stress causes the condition, or if the condition causes stress.
Sleep Deprivation
Chronic stress may lead to sleep deprivation and... Read more >
Skin disorders aren't usually the first thing that comes to mind when people think of stress, but there is a connection. Stress aggravates a number of skin disorders, including hives, acne, and itchiness. The skin is the largest organ and one of the most sensitive in the human body. It can react noticeably to the effects of stress hormones.
Acne Research: Stress Management for Skin Disorders?
The connection... Read more >
People with eating disorders are often very sensitive to stress. Over fifty percent of people diagnosed with binge eating disorders report previous episodes of depression and low self-esteem: conditions often associated with high stress levels.
Eating favorite foods makes us feel better, so it's no wonder that everyone overeats occasionally when stressed. But when food is used consistently as a... Read more >
Every person experiences stress at some time or another. While stress is beneficial sometimes, other times it can be harmful and can even contribute to health problems. Luckily, there are some simple steps you can take to manage stress and its symptoms.
Stress Symptoms
In order to manage stress, it is important to recognize the symptoms of stress. When we are under stress, the body is constantly adjusting to... Read more >
Stress causes vary from person to person: some people thrive in situations that are major causes of stress to others. Knowing what causes stress for you personally can help you manage and control your stress levels.
The brain sees no difference between real and imagined causes of stress. Imagined stressors generate stress just as much as real ones. If you believe your boss is trying to fire you, you'll have... Read more >
If you think you are stressed, what can you do about it? You have many options for coping with stress. Stress management techniques provide both stress relief and help prevent stress from building up. If your stress level is extreme, professional help, such as psychotherapy, may be necessary for stress relief.
Stress management begins by learning to identify when you experience stress. Learn to spot... Read more >
Managing stress is a continuous process. Before you can start managing stress you have to understand your individual stress reactions. Determine what causes you stress, and how you react to stressors. Once you identify these factors you can start managing stress and applying relaxation techniques.
Self-Worth and Managing Stress
Stress is often a matter of how you look at situations. Some people experience stress... Read more >
Stress reduction can take many forms. Some people find hobbies very relaxing, especially gardening, painting and other quiet activities. Still others find that time caring for their pet reduces stress. Others prefer to relax actively, through jogging, walking or other forms of exercise.
Here are a few common stress-reducing techniques, including exercise, yoga, meditation, and massage therapy.
Exercise... Read more >
Advocate Health Care. (nd). Anti-stress eating. Retrieved August 25, 2003, from www.advocatehealth.com/system/info/library/articles/recipe/ahcs 1127.html.American Academy of Dermatologists. (2000). What is Eczema? Retrieved August 19, 2003, from www.skincarephysicians.com/eczemanet/whatIs.html.
American Cancer Society. (nd). Meditation.Retrieved August 25, 2003... Read more >