Stress
Introduction
A lot of research has been carried out in an attempt to relate stress health and an individual’s daily life. This research has been inherently difficult in most cases because measuring stress and its relation to various variables is hectic as individuals handle stress differently. In this text, I look at stress in relation to health and the effect stress has on our daily lives. I also discuss what can be done to reduce the effect st4ess has on our lives and health.
Stress and its relation to health and our daily lives
Various researchers have linked stress to health problems such as sore throat, backaches as well as flu. According to a study carried out in the early 1960’s researchers found a positive relationship between stress and illnesses like nonstreptococcal respiratory infections. They found that these illnesses were more then four times preceded by high levels of stress in the family setting (Kail et al. 2009).In a study by Kail et al (2009), where selection of participants was done by random digit dialing it was found out that the most reported illnesses related to stress included headaches severe shoulder pain and backaches as well as disorders with the digestive system. For these participants, it was observed that health problems increased in relation to increased stress levels. In relation to that, Kail et al (2009) concluded that a decline in health and mood was as a result of increased hassles on a daily basis. Other studies have also linked stress to a range of other health concerns both physical as well as mental. According to Charlesworth (2004), people suffering from chronic stress are at a very high risk of being sensitized. This is a condition in which one is extremely sensitive to stress and small problems or difficult situations cause the production of some chemicals in the body as well as brain effectively placing the affected individual at risk of developing some health complications.Recent research has also shown that 60 to 90% of all health complications are as a result of chronic stress (Kail et al. 2009).
Amongst other health concerns, stress has been cited to cause, either directly or indirectly, digestive system disorders, inhibited child growth, high blood pressure, Migraine, Skin disorders, Obesity, Ulcers as well as various Heart complications. In relation to everyday moods and daily lives, Kail et al. (2009) found that an individuals average stress levels did not have any effect on an individual’s mood. What affected an individual’s mood to a great extent was whether that particular individual was having higher stress levels than usual. This study also found out that on stressful days, the subjects experienced much poorer moods as compared to non stressful days.Charlesworth (2004) notes that someone’s ability to enjoy life can be greatly impaired by recurrent stress situations. He goes ahead to say that the body’s natural processes become disrupted as a result of recurrent exposure by stress hormones like cortisol. This triggers digestive and heart complications, memory impairment as well as a whole range of complications hence preventing an individual from living a smooth healthy life.Stress has also been linked to self-esteem issues. Studies carried out recently have found out that people with a low self-esteem will in most cases have higher stress levels than those with a significantly higher self-esteem (Kail et al. 2009). This study also related self esteem to moods of participants using stress levels as link. It therefore came to a conclusion that people with a low self esteem will inevitably have higher stress levels and hence poor moods.
The proposed solutions to stress and its effects
In their study, Kail et al. (2009) considered several ways in which stress levels can be reduced. Some of these approaches were emotional support as well as self-esteem boosting. They found out that people who had a positive outlook of themselves were in most cases not overwhelmed by stressful circumstances as they believed they were capable of handling those situations. This was in sharp contrast to those who had a low self-esteem and hence considered themselves unable to cope with a wide range of problems. This made them easily overwhelmed by stress. A high self esteem was hence an important tool in stress control. The study also found out that social and emotional support protected individuals from the ill stress exposure effects. For individuals having higher emotional support therefore, low levels of stress and its damaging effects were significantly lower.Another important finding that came up was that the way different people cope with problems was also critical to the handling as well as suppression of stress (Kail et al. 2009). Individuals who were more effective at problem solving had a high likelihood of regulating their stress than others.While it is very clear that there is little an individual can do to control issues that trigger stress, experts have proven that there is a lot one can do to deal or respond in the appropriate way to stress situations. According to Charlesworth (2004), the initial step to take is recognizing the symptoms triggered by stress.
Although different individuals respond to stress in different ways, some standard symptoms of stress have been identified. This include irritability, lowered self esteem as noted by Kail et al. (2009), indecisiveness, inability to concentrate as well as such disorders as eating excessively or a loss of appetite altogether. Once these symptoms of stress are identified it is easy to hedge against the damaging effects of stress.On detection measures can be put in place either to mitigate its effects of treat it. There exist prescribed medications for the treatment of stress. But it is important to note that these medications should be taken only with the doctor’s diagnosis and prescription. Most of them work by relaxing an individual’s body. However, these medications should not be used in the long term.Exercises have also been cited as techniques that greatly help in the management and reduction of stress. Breathing and stretching exercises have been hailed for relaxing body muscles as well as calming the nervous system.
Conclusion
In the light of stress and its effects on our health as well as our daily lives, studies have shown that stress management is beneficial for a host of other issues other than just physical and emotional wellbeing. Proper management of stress has been linked to better work performance and increased productivity amongst other benefits.With the average 21stcentury individual prone to more stress triggering situations, it is expected that more research will be done to shed more light on the causes of stress and how to deal with it.
References
Kail, R. V., Cavanaugh, J. C. (2009). Human Development: A life-span view, 5th edition. Cengage Advantage Books
Charlesworth, E. A. (2004). Stress Management: A comprehensive guide to wellness. New York: Random House Publishing Group
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