GX MAGAZINE
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GX MAGAZINE: Are You Stressed?
How many times has someone asked you the resounding question, "Are you stressed?" The normal response when asked this question is to start asking yourself questions about how you feel and why you feel a certain way. It is important to note that stress is a psychological and physiological response to events that upset our personal balance in some way. When faced with danger, whether to our physical safety or emotional balance, the body"s defenses kick into high gear in a rapid, automatic process known as the "fight-or-flight" response. We all know what this stress response feels like: hearts pounding in the chest, muscles tensing up breathe coming faster, every sense on red alert.
Chronic stress can be the result of a host of irritating hassles or a long-term life condition, such as a difficult job situation or a chronic disease. In people who have higher levels of chronic stress, the stress response lasts longer. Over time, chronic stress can have an effect on your immune system. Under stress, the body becomes more vulnerable to illnesses, from colds and minor infections to major diseases.
Unrelieved stress can lead to a condition called distress which is a negative reaction to stress. Distress can lead to many symptoms including headaches, upset stomach, elevated blood pressure, chest pain, and problems sleeping. Stress also becomes harmful when people use alcohol, tobacco, or drugs to try to relieve their stress. Using these substances keeps the body in a stressed state and causes additional problems.
Stress can cause allergies, headaches, insomnia, eating disorder, backaches and frequent colds. Although you may not realize it, you have control over your reaction to stress. You can learn to relax and reverse the body"s response to stress. Try taking a few deep breathes and regrouping at the onset of feeling stress. And, of course, you may be able to change your life to relieve sources of stress. For more information on stress, please email livingwell@gxmag.com