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10 Facts About Stress

Jul 09, 2022

Everyone experiences stress from time to time, but how much do you truly understand about it? Here are ten facts about stress that you may not be aware of... but should be!

Stress at work

1. Anyone can be affected.


Every year, millions of Americans visit their doctors for mental health difficulties, with stress being a primary cause. Money, work, and relationships are the most common sources of stress. Working adults are the most commonly afflicted, but stress may affect everyone, including children and animals!




2. A little stress is beneficial.


Stress is a natural reaction to a potentially dangerous circumstance that allows us to react fast. It can also drive us to make great changes in our lives and complete tasks. When we are stressed on a regular basis, both physical and emotional problems might develop.



3. Your nervous system regulates stress.


When we are threatened, our central nerve systems go into "fight or flight" mode. Our heart rates rise, our blood vessels constrict, and we become more intellectually aware. These changes in our bodies prepare us for quick action, either to confront the threat or to flee.



4. Everyone is affected differently by stress.


Stress manifests itself in a variety of ways, and not everyone will experience it in the same way. Some people are more affected by emotional symptoms like concern, restlessness, and irritation, whereas others are more affected by physical symptoms like headaches, muscle tension, or stomach troubles.



5. Stress can keep you awake at night.


Stress is a leading cause of insomnia, making it difficult to fall asleep or waking you up during the night. This causes fatigue and impaired concentration the next day. Get a good night's sleep by doing something calming before bedtime, such as taking a warm bath or reading a book. Breathing exercises are an excellent technique to relax and achieve a good night's sleep.



6. Stress can be both acute and chronic.


Acute stress is stress that is caused by pressures in your daily life. This is usually brief and might result in symptoms such as muscle tension, headaches, intestinal issues, and insomnia. Chronic stress occurs when you are exposed to a stressful scenario for an extended period of time. This can result in depression and an increased chance of acquiring additional health issues later in life. (See also: Stress Types: Acute and Chronic.)



7. Stress can have an impact on mental performance.


When you are under stress, your brain chemistry changes. Stress can make you feel worried, irritated, or sad, in addition to interfering with natural sleep habits. Stress also impairs your capacity to concentrate, make judgments, and can even make you forgetful. Your mental performance degrades when you have a hectic schedule.



8. Headaches can be caused by stress.


Stress causes muscle tension, which can result in headaches. It also causes the release of specific chemicals within your body, which might cause migraines in some people. If you suffer from migraines, you may notice that you have more migraines during stressful times.


Eat regularly, drink lots of water, and try some of our favourite breathing exercises to stay relaxed during the day to reduce your risk of headaches.



9. Muscular pains and tightness are caused by stress.


When you are worried, your muscles tense up. This is a natural, defensive mechanism that your body uses to defend itself from potential damage. When this muscle tension is maintained for an extended amount of time, it can cause tightness, knots, and pain. Massage is one of the finest ways to combat stress since it promotes both physical and emotional calm.



10. Stress can be effectively managed.


Fortunately, there are numerous methods for reducing stress. Eating a good, balanced diet, exercising regularly, and employing various relaxation techniques can all help to reduce stress and promote physical and mental well-being.


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