What the Heck is Stress Anyway?

May 2013

Even though it might not feel good, stress is a normal bodily response when you perceive a situation of threat. Stress readies our body for “fight or flight” – also called the stress response. There are several body functions that change when you are stressed – heart rate increases, sweat glands engage, digestion decreases, blood pressure increases. The body is trying to prepare you for a fight or to flee the situation.

Stress is a normal protection mechanism and is an aspect of healthy living when it’s in small, manageable doses. Minor levels of stress are effective in motivating you to study for an exam, focusing your efforts at work to prepare for a big meeting, to get out of the house to rake the leaves on a chilly Fall day and to take the kids shopping for new clothes the week before school starts.

The problem comes when you are in situations where stress is elevated over long periods of time – or stressful events occur frequently – or life hits you like a tidal wave. It’s at this point, that stress can cause damage – physically, emotionally and relationally.

The symptoms of stress overload and burnout are different for different people. If you experience some of the following – you might be in stress overload:

• Feeling overwhelmed
• Irritation or anger
• Fear and anxiety
• Depression
• Feelings of loneliness
• Ongoing worry
• Racing thoughts
• Inability to concentrate
• Difficulty in making decisions
• Rapid heart rate
• Chest pains
• Frequent stomach problems or headaches
• Nausea
• Change in eating (too much or too little)
• Difficulty sleeping or excessive sleeping
• Using alcohol, drugs or smoking to relax
• Excessive time in front of the TV or Internet
• Engaging in activities you later regret (gambling, pornography, chat rooms)

It is always good to see your doctor for a full physical if you experience any of these problems to rule out any physical or medical reasons.

If you recognize that you’re getting burned out – it might be time to focus on stress management. It might be time to focus on you.

Peace be with you,