Stress is primarily a physical response. When stressed, the body thinks it is under attack and switches to ‘fight or flight mode, releasing a complex mix of hormones and chemicals such as adrenaline, cortisol, and norepinephrine to prepare the body for physical action. This causes several reactions, from blood being diverted to muscles to shutting down unnecessary bodily functions such as digestion.
The challenge is when our body goes into a state of stress in inappropriate situations. When blood flow is going only to the most important muscles needed to fight or flee, brain function is minimized. This can lead to an inability to ‘think straight’; a state that is a great hindrance in both our work and home lives. If we are kept in a state of stress for long periods, it can be detrimental to our health. The results of having elevated cortisol levels can be an increase in sugar and blood pressure levels and a decrease in libido.
What causes stress?
Stress comes up when you feel like the demands of a situation or event are too much to manage. It can come up with everyday situations, such as
Stress can also come up in response to a specific event or situation. Both positive and negative life events can be stressful, especially those that involve major changes to your regular routines. Here are some examples:
As stress is based on the way you see a situation or event, things that cause stress are based on your situation. Different people may find that different things are stressful.
How you feel when issues come up can also affect the way you experience stress. If you feel well and in control, a problem may not seem very stressful. However, if you already feel stressed or overwhelmed, the same problem may add to your existing stress and feel very overwhelming.
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