What is stress, how does it affect us and what can we do about it?

Today, I would like to bring to your attention a topic that we probably all encounter more often than we would like: stress. It seems to appear as an uninvited guest in our lives just when we are too busy to offer it a cup of tea and a friendly conversation. But what is stress, really? And why does it behave like an uninvited guest who refuses to understand our subtle hints that it is time to leave?

So, what is stress?

Stress is an automatic, adaptive biological response that occurs when we perceive a threat, challenge, or obstacle, generating a state of readiness and tension for mobilization.

In other words, stress is like a well-intentioned warning system in our body.

It arises not only from events with a major emotional impact, but also when we face everyday challenges, changes, or hassles—whether it's a deadline at work, a tense discussion with a friend, or a traffic jam.

Our body responds by "pumping" us with energy, preparing us to fight or flee (and, let's be honest, sometimes we'd rather flee).

In short, stress isn't always a villain. Sometimes it can mobilize us to finish an important project or motivate us to solve a problem. The problem arises when this "natural energizer" doesn't stop and we start to feel like we're running a marathon with no finish line.

Stress can affect many aspects of a person's life, manifesting itself through various symptoms that can vary in intensity and duration. Sometimes its symptoms are like the mysterious signals of a spaceship: difficult to decipher and often ignored.

Many people have difficulty recognizing the stress they feel, or fail to connect their symptoms with the emotions they are experiencing. It's not like we have a legend that says, "An upset stomach means advanced stress. The solution: a comedy marathon and a generous serving of ice cream!" But jokes aside, it's important to understand that stress isn't just a figure of speech and can seriously affect our well-being.

When we talk about symptoms of acute stress, we are referring to symptoms that occur before or during a stressful situation. In the long term, acute stress becomes chronic (i.e., a prolonged state of stress) and can lead to heart problems, anxiety disorders, depression, skin diseases, insomnia, and a weakened immune system.

Physical symptoms:

• Muscle tension: Stress can cause muscles to contract, resulting in headaches, back pain, or stiffness

• Gastrointestinal problems: The stomach and intestines can be affected, causing abdominal discomfort, indigestion, or even digestive disorders

• Sleep disorders: Difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep can occur during stressful periods, which can contribute to chronic fatigue

• Changes in appetite: Stress can affect appetite, causing either an increase or decrease in appetite

Emotional and cognitive symptoms:

• Anxiety: A general state of restlessness, fear, or constant worry

• Depression: Persistent stress can contribute to feelings of sadness, lack of motivation, and discouragement

• Difficulty concentrating: Stressful thoughts can affect your ability to focus and make decisions

• Irritability: Stressed individuals may become more irritable or sensitive to minor stimuli

Behavioral symptoms:

• Changes in sleep pettern: In addition to sleep disturbances, changes in sleep routine or sleep habits may also occur

• Social isolation: Some people choose to withdraw socially when they feel stressed, avoiding interaction with others

• Changes in eating habits: Excessive eating or, conversely, loss of appetite may be observed during stressful periods

• Compulsions or tics: Stress can contribute to the development of compulsive behaviors or nervous tics

  
  

Being aware of the symptoms and long-term effects of stress can be the first step toward a more relaxed life and prioritizing self-care. And who knows, maybe it would be useful for us to learn some relaxation techniques so we can send stress on vacation!

A few things that can help us manage stress:

1. We can try practicing Mindful Breathing: a deep breathing exercise that can act as a "restart" for our nervous system and help us release stress or anxiety.

2. Exercise: a little physical activity can go a long way in "burning off" that cocktail of stress hormones.

3. We can dedicate time to ourselves: whether it's reading, walking in the park, or tending to our plants, it's important to make time for activities that relax us.

4. Sometimes laughter can be the best medicine: a good comedy episode or a joke can be a way to reduce tension.

5. Stress management techniques: when you need a little more than a cup of tea or a quiet evening to keep stress under control.

It is important to be able to manage stress as best we can so that it does not take control and turn every day into a stressful experience. If you feel overwhelmed, do not hesitate to seek out a friend, family member, or professional to talk to and support you.