We might not know it but stress can actually do more damage to your body than most people think. Most people take advantage of their body’s limit and push it to the extreme just to get the job done while thinking that their body will adapt to the stress they impose upon it.
But truth to tell, our body has a certain capacity in which it can function; exceed those capacities and you will end up in one of the rooms of the hospital waiting for your body to recover. Stress can affect you in many ways – physical, mental, and emotional functions are disrupted gaining you the inability to function properly whether in social, personal, or career work.
Stress affects your body
There is a certain degree to which stress can affect your body. A stressed person will complain of headaches and body pains here and there. If left unchecked, this will lead to migraine and muscle tension that will eventually lead to stiffness.
Major changes will affect the biochemical functions of your body. This involves diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and dizziness. You will find it hard to sleep at night even if you feel weak and needs rest. People usually resort to medications to counter this effect, but will only give temporary remedies.
Those who suffer from a weak heart most often will complain of chest pains and rapid heartbeat – the usual signs and symptoms that will eventually lead to stroke or cardiac arrest. Note however that different physical manifestations of stress can be seen in different people, it all depends on your body’s capacity.
Behavioral problems related to stress
Aside from physical manifestations of stress in your body, you might also notice some behavioral changes while under the throes of stress. Changes in sleeping patterns, lack of sleep, or inability to sleep during normal slumber hours are usually the initial reactions to stress – these are usually caused by heightened emotional and mental functions which are more into the negative aspect rather than positive.
Self-pity and isolation are caused by the depressed mental state of the person when certain problems crop up in their everyday life. Irritability and anger will start when the person is bereft of his or her natural ability to rationalize which is usually the case when stressed or being burdened by heavy problems.
How to cope
There are different techniques that a person can employ to avoid these manifestations of stress in their life. The first technique, and the most important one, is learning how to relax when stress pays you a visit. You can employ techniques like meditation, breathing exercises, aromatherapy, or music therapy to induce a state of relaxation in your mind. Once you have achieved this step, you can proceed with how to deal with stress that affects your body.
Since most of your physiological functions are imbalanced due to stress, you can start by pampering your body through various massages offered by health spas within your neighborhood. Loosen those tight muscles to relieve assorted aches and pains and increase your flexibility.
Physical exercise can also help develop cardiovascular functions and strengthen your heart to avoid stroke or rapid heart rate. Also, you need to keep a close lookout on your diet and make sure you avoid taking in junk foods and fast foods that will elevate harmful chemicals in your body.
Try to stick with fruits and vegetables and take herbal supplements to help rejuvenate your body.