Stress what is it?  And how can we find ways to cope?

First in order to deal with stress we need to fine out how and what causes it, before we can find ways to relieve stress.
We know it is our body response to things around us, like work , health , and death.  Things that overwhelm you, and when that happens your brain causes hormones to flood your system.  This, in turn, increases  your heart rate, expands  or constricts  your lung capacity and increases your blood pressure and tenses your muscles.

And before you know it, your body is primed for action.  When the stressful episode is over, your body comes off high alert and returns to normal.

Good and bad stress

While stress can help you to deal with dangerous situations, beneficial stress can enable you act or react quickly.  A certain amount of stress is also good.  It can help you to perform better and reach your goal.   Like during a job interview, or during an exam.

However, extreme or prolonged stress can be very harmful.  When your body is continually in high alert,  you may continue to suffer emotionally,  physically and mentally.

Chronic stress can lead to substance abuse , even the way you treat others may change.  It may even spiral into depression, burnout or thought of suicide.

While stress may not affect everyone the same way,  it can contribute to a wide range of diseases.   And it can affect nearly every part of the body.

HOW CAN STRESS AFFECT YOUR BODY

Endocrine system

Your  glands produce the hormones Adrenaline and Cortisol, which help the body to react to stress.  Your liver increases your blood-sugar level to give you more energy.

Too much stress can lead to:

….Diabetes, lower immunity and increased illness, mood swings and even weight gain.

Gastrointestinal…

The way your body process food is disrupted.

Too much stress can lead to:

Constipation, diarrhea, vomiting and nausea.

….Reproductive system…

Stress can affect sexual desire and function.

Too much stress can lead to:

….Impotence, disrupted menstrual cycle.

Musculoskeletal system…

your muscles tense up to protect you from injury.

Too much stress can lead to:

….body aches and pains tension headaches, and  muscle  spasms.

Nervous system…

Your nervous system causes hormones such as Adrenaline and Cortisol to  be released . These increase your heart rate, your blood pressure, and the glucose levels in your blood– all of which enable you to respond quickly to danger.

Too much stress can lead to:

…..irritability, anxiety, depression, headaches,  and insomnia.

Cardiovascular system.

Your heart beats faster and harder to distribute blood throughout your body. Blood vessels dilate or constrict to direct blood where your body needs  it the most.

Too much stress can lead to:

…..High blood pressure, heart attack, stroke.

Ways to Relieve Stress

That is why I love  gardening!   It is my form of relaxation.  Where I am taken to a different place,  a place of relaxation.  {It helps me a lot ).  So if you need any help in setting up a small garden,  I’m here.   Whether it’s indoor or outdoor, the rewards are wonderful!What’s your hobby?

Gardening is one of my hobbies.  I used it for “de-stressing”.  What do you like to do for a hobby?  Is it walking, cooking, or just relaxing with a glass of wine and some friends …?

It can help to set reasonable goals,  and live one day at a time. Why be anxious for tomorrow… we have today to deal with.

Avoid setting unreasonable standards for yourself or others.  Keep a sense of humor.  When you laugh, even when something goes wrong,– you  relieve tension and brighten your mood.

The book…. “Overcoming Stress”– By  Dr. Tim Cantopher, has a chapter entitled “Kill Your Stress with Kindness”.  “Treating others kindly”, according to the author, “can promote health and happiness”.  I recommend this book, if you’re looking for more ways to relieve stress.