The Negative Effect of Stress on Our Health

It has been found that up to 90% of all health problems may be related or have something to do with stress. This just goes to show that the negative effect of stress on our health cannot be ignored. And, we are not only talking about physical health, but we are also talking about emotional and mental health or the overall well-being for that matter.

You may be surprised to know that almost all systems in our body get affected by long term stress exposure. For the central nervous system, there is the development of conditions like depression, anxiety, and fatigue. For the cardiovascular system, on the other hand, there is impaired heart function as well as the constriction of the peripheral blood vessels, which results to high blood pressure. Then there is asthma (respiratory system), muscular aches (musculoskeletal), stomach upsets (digestive), viral illnesses (immune), menstrual disorders (endocrine), and infertility (reproductive).

It can also affect us emotionally and mentally. Its emotional and mental effects include irritability, a sense of loneliness and isolation, agitation, inability to concentrate, poor judgment, and constant worrying. There are also tendencies of using alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs to relax, overeating or undereating, sleeping too much or little, and neglecting responsibilities.

Getting stressed is normal. We get stressed before an important occasion like graduation day, when moving to a new neighborhood, or when preparing for a trip. We also get stressed when we are ill, when we lose a loved one, or driving home in heavy traffic. However, when there is too much stress and we are exposed to it for a long period of time, problems do arise.

It is then essential that we know how to manage and control stress. We can start by focusing on our physical health first. We should eat a balanced diet and get a proper and regular exercise, helping the body build strength and immunity against the physical effects of being exposed to various stressors. We should also learn to find time for healthy relaxation activities. Having a positive outlook in life and a strong support system from your family and network of friends are also vital.

What may be stressful to you may not be stressful to me, though. And, the degree of the effect of stress on us depend on certain factors. These include our physical health, the quality of our interpersonal relationships, the weight and number of responsibilities that we have, and how much support we receive from the people around us.