Stress is your body’s natural response to a situation that causes fear, anxiety or nervousness about what is to follow.
It is the total reaction to some impending future threat or danger and our body prepares us to deal with it by the mechanism of “fight or flight”. This mechanism aims to supply the body with extra alertness, endurance and speed in order to better defend itself by fighting the threat (fight) or preparing it to flee.
Stress levels fall into four categories: mild anxiety, moderate anxiety, severe anxiety and panic disorder.
What are the symptoms of anxiety?
Feeling nervous, anxious or tense. Increased heart rate. Rapid breathing (hyperventilation). Trembling. Feeling weak or tired. Difficulty concentrating.
What causes stress?
• Life events: If we experience many different stressful situations. For example, if someone has problems at work, financial difficulties and / or relationship problems.
• Way of thinking: Negative thoughts evoke negative emotions. They also make us constantly be on the lookout for something that will happen, without knowing what it is and when it will happen, if it happens.
• Biological factors: These are disorders in various substances of the brain such as serotonin, which is directly related to good mood.
Therapy and treatment.
Psychotherapy.
Many studies have shown that psychotherapy is effective in combating stress because it trains people to think differently. It not only addresses the symptoms (symptoms as medication does) but identifies the real source of the stress.
Excercise
We do not need to train for the Olympics – a 10 minute walk can be very beneficial and make us feel better. If we manage to exercise at least 3 times a week it is certain that our stress will be reduced.
Sex
Several studies have found that long-term sexual encounters calm and stimulate our libido, resulting in anxiety reduction.
Sleep
Charges the brain and enhances mood and concentration. Keep the room cool, dark and quiet and do not leave the TV on while you sleep. Avoid intense exercise in the evening because it makes it difficult to sleep.
Alcohol restriction
A couple of drinks may be relaxing, but more drinks make us more anxious. Excessive alcohol consumption can also negatively affect work and family and personal relationships and increase stress.
Set priorities
A list of priorities helps us not to get lost in an ocean of obligations, not being able to adequately meet our needs. This way we manage to feel good about ourselves and boost our self-confidence.
Keep a diary.
This can help us understand what circumstances are stressing us: Family events? Work? School? Too much caffeine? Hunger? Once we find out what causes our stress, we may be able to manage it better.
• Stress alone is not bad. It can help us better recognize situations and act accordingly. However, it becomes pathological when it is considered “disturbed” and hinders our daily life.
