Stress: Cause and Effect
In order to understand and address stress, it’s important to consider that there are actually two components to stress:
- Stressor – Any person, situation, thought, trauma etc. that pushes you out of balance
- Stress response – Your body’s reaction to a stressor—also known as the “fight or flight response”—used to restore that balance.
The characteristics of the stress response include:
- Increased heart rate
- Hormonal and central nervous system changes
- Muscle tension
- Decreased blood flow to the organs and an increase to the extremities
- Changes in body temperature
- Increased cognitive function
- etc.
The stress response is normal and is well-equipped to handle immediate, short-term stressors. In fact, some forms of stress (such as exercise) are actually good for us if applied correctly.
But when stress becomes chronic, giving us little time for recovery, the effects on the body become harmful.
Chronic exposure to stress contributes to:
- Digestive issues
- Unexplained muscle pain
- Fatigue
- Headaches and neck pain
- Sexual dysfunction
- Sleep issues
- Weight gain
- Decrease cognitive function
- etc.
The main point here is that most people try to address stress only from one side: the stressor.
But it can be difficult or impossible to control factors such as your job/home environment, someone cutting you off in traffic, a breakup, or physical trauma.
But you do have the ability to influence how you respond to stress (and the effects it has on us) by developing a strong foundation of health.
The different types of stress lead to the same result.
What this means is that in relation to your nervous and hormonal systems, stress creates a generalized response in the body…no matter what the source may be.
This emphasizes the need to address all areas of your life that aren’t being managed appropriately.
You can develop a strong foundation of health and improve your tolerance for the stressors you face.
The graphic below demonstrates this principle.
Remember this principle when dealing with any personal challenges. Consider how those challenges might be related to any physical, mental, or emotional wellness issues you might be experiencing.
Chronic pain, dis-ease, and performance issues are only symptoms of something deeper. Understanding how we process the stressors in life can uncover new ways to overcome them for greater awareness, health, and peace of mind.
This means managing nutrition, physical activity, emotional balance, breathing, and other factors.
Addressing chronic health issues is a multi-dimensional and complex task. I’m only presenting a basic concept here only to establish a new perspective for looking at stress.
But mastering the basics is the key to making real and lasting progress in your health goals. Don’t underestimate the power of putting the basics in place.
You’ll achieve a strong foundation of health that will help you better identify and overcome the stress you face each and every day.
Darwin Ruiz helps clients use exercise and lifestyle changes to manage chronic health conditions and improve function in their daily activities. If you want to learn more, click here to schedule a complimentary phone/video call today.
Image Credit:
- Chek, P. (2013, August 26). Catching up and food and Stress Management. Paul Cheks Blog. https://www.paulcheksblog.com/catching-up-and-food-and-stress-management/