Stress may be defined as any form of change that causes psychological, emotional or physical strain. On the other hand, not all these changes regarded as stress are negative or harmful. People encounter various types of stress, such as eustress and episodic acute stress. Eustress is the kind that is exciting and fun, keeping a person energized and vital. Examples include racing to catch up a deadline or skiing down a steep slope. Under eustress is the so-called acute stress, a short-term stress type that is either positive or distressing. This type of stress is the kind that people generally come across with in their daily lives.

The episodic acute stress refers to the regular presence of acute stress that it seems to be so much part of one’s life resulting to a life of pressure and chaos, similar to that of the “absent-minded professor,” or the “drama queen.” With episodic acute stress comes chronic stress. Chronic stress seems to be incessant and inescapable, akin to the stress encountered within a bad marriage or an arduous job. This stress oftentimes leads to a burnout.

Stress and your health are relatively connected. Stress triggers your body’s responses to perceive dangers or threats. In which from this reaction, adrenalin hormones and cortisols are automatically released. As a result, your heart rate speeds up, digestion is slower, and blood flow towards your body’s major muscles is shunt. Your other nervous functions will automatically response to all the activities going on within you, providing your body a unique burst of strength and energy. As the perceived danger is gone, the body’s system will naturally return to its normal functions. But in time of chronic stresses, normalcy is a distant word to which, possible health damage may take its toll on the body.

The onset of chronic stress, along with an overrated nervous system, an individual tends to notice physical symptoms. Initial occurrence of symptoms is usually mild, like an increased vulnerability to colds and chronic headaches. With frequent exposure to chronic stresses, more likely, more serious health issues may develop. Some of these stress-influenced concerns include, but certainly not limited to: obesity, ulcer, possible cancer, depression, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, heart disease, hair loss, sexual dysfunction, anxiety disorder or being obsessive-compulsive, and gum and tooth disease. An estimated 90% of reasons for doctor’s visits are partially due to stress.

To keep stress from leaving any damage to your health, ensure your body does not feel the excessive state of physiological arousal. There are two known ways to do it. The first one is called the tension-taming techniques. By learning how it is done, you can activate your own body’s relaxation response, as you ease your body in a very calm and serene state. These remarkable techniques include breathing exercises, yoga, meditation, and writing journals. The second method is preventing excess stress. Knowingly, certain acute stresses are unavoidable, although most of the chronic stress and episodic acute stress can be minimized or avoided by incorporating possible organization techniques, relationship skills, time management, and opting to live a healthy lifestyle.

Adhering to professional guidance or help is another approach to live a stress-free life. Occasionally, a stress can be so great that people develop other related disorders as an aftermath. Anyone experiencing the symptoms of depression or excessive anxiety or who found himself or herself taking part in compulsive and totally unhealthy behaviors should find help and talk to a professional who can help you. A doctor or any health care professional will be glad to assist you. This will be aiding in making you feel a whole lot better, while at the same time, you take control of your life again.

In whatever situation or circumstance you find yourself in at the moment, never allow stress to ruin or stain your health. If you handle yourself and stress well enough, you will be trekking on the road that leads to a happier, contented and healthy life.