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One of the most useful definitions of stress is as follows:
Stress is an internal process that occurs when a person is
faced with a demand that is perceived to exceed the resources
available to effectively respond to it, and where failure to
effectively deal with the demand has important undesirable
consequences. In other words, stress is experienced when there
is an awareness of a substantial imbalance between demand and
capability, under conditions where failure to meet the demand
is perceived to have unwanted consequences.
Strain is the negative effects of stress. Strain may appear as
fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, medical and
physical problems, insomnia, depression, anxiety, over eating,
drug and alcohol abuse, risk taking, or diminished functioning,
to name a few of the possibilities. Stress can be positive and
negative. On the positive side it alerts us to a threat and
increases our level of arousal and activation which can help us
be more effective in coping with the threat. It is mismanaged
stress or an over-abundance of stress which causes strain and
can be devastating for the person or the system.
Stress and health are closely linked. It is well known that
stress, either quick or constant, can induce risky body-mind
disorders. Research shows that in certain individuals stress
does contribute to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and
other cardiac risk factors such as addictions and obesity.
The stress response of the body is meant to protect and support
us. When faced with a threat, the body’s defenses kick into high
gear in a process known as the “fight or flight” response. The
sympathetic nervous system pumps out adrenaline, preparing us
for emergency action. Our heart rate and blood flow to the
large muscles increase, the blood vessels under the skin
constrict to prevent blood loss in case of injury, the pupils
dilate so we can see better, and our blood sugar ramps up,
giving us an energy boost.
The problem with the stress response is that the more it is
activated, the harder it is to shut off. Instead of leveling
off once the crisis has passed, your stress hormones, heart
rate, and blood pressure remain elevated. With shear stress the
body get adopted to the the reponse, and would not react to even
other body metabolism activities, which stunts the growth
process. Extended or repeated activation of the stress response
takes a heavy toll on the body. The physical wear and tear it
causes includes damage to the cardiovascular system and immune
system suppression. Stress compromises your ability to fight
off disease and infection, makes it difficult to conceive a
baby, and stunts growth in children. It can even rewire the
brain, leaving you more vulnerable to everyday pressures and
mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. And, of
course, the stress of living with a debilitating disease or
disorder just adds to the problem.
Recent research suggests that anywhere from two-thirds to 90
percent of illness is stress-related.
About The Author: Christopher DiCicco owner of
http://Flexhealthnutrition.com has been involved with health
and nutrition for over 20 years.
http://www.flexhealthnutrition.com/details/shop/BN-007
http://www.flexhealthnutrition.com/details/shop/BN0026
http://www.flexhealthnutrition.com/details/shop/BN-010
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