Stress

Before we dive into the titular topic, I want to highlight that I am no expert when it comes to stress. Most of my understanding comes from psychology and fitness literature. In other words, it’s a superficial understanding. I haven’t explored the chemistry and biology behind stress. I obviously am not a psychiatrist so on that side I cannot claim to have authority. Recently I had a really stressful period which showed me the importance of stress management, so I wanted to write a bit about the topic and potentially help some of you if you’re going through a difficult time.

Stress is omnipresent. It is a feeling everybody has felt in some way. We all know it’s an uncomfortable feeling. It can be both emotional or physical tension. Stress can come from actual events or even thoughts that make us feel angry or frustrated. Acute bursts stress can be positive. But chronic stress is harmful to our health.

Starting on a positive note, acute stress such as that from a workout can be extremely beneficial. Yes, just lifting weights or running will cause the release of stress hormones. However, that’s not the only form of acute stress. Acute stress coming from something like a deadline to finish something important can push you into action and make you productive. In fact, we experience acute stress multiple times a day. Some studies show that it helps with memory. Stress is also a crucial element in the warning system. When your brain perceives (perception is key, that is why even thoughts can be stressful) something as stressful, it starts flooding the body with hormones like epinephrine, norepinephrine and cortisol. This causes various reactions including an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. This makes you alert and ready to act with laser-focus.

Unfortunately, that’s where we part ways with the happy land and move to the other side of the coin. When stress responses are activated too often or for too long, they damage the brain as well as other organs. This chronic stress leads to a number of issues such as hypertension, high blood cholesterol, increased chances of heart attack and stroke, digestion issues, immune system, and overall quality and length of life. From my field of expertise, I can tell you that stress can affect you negatively in the sense of making you susceptible to cravings and overeating. Yes, chronic stress can make you gain weight.

What can you do to prevent all of this? Your life will always throw stressful situations at you all the time. The only thing you can do is change you respond. If you are in a toxic relationship, leave it. If you are perceiving everything as a threat, shift your mindset and start looking at things as challenges that you can control and overcome. Make time for relaxation in your daily routine. Meditation can also be helpful. Lastly, consider therapy. I’ve recently started going to therapy and I’ve got to say it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. If you can afford it, you should definitely consider this option.