Nearly everyone in the population experiences stress at some time in their life. Some will experience stress more often than others. A little stress in life can help to keep individuals motivated and alert. However when this small amount of stress begins to build to larger amounts of stress, management of stress is required. The proper management of stress will help to keep our bodies healthy.
What is stress? By definition, it's a human’s response to an event or circumstance within the environment that is not desired or is being dreaded.
Some studies suggest that stress susceptibility is linked to genetics and as humans we may be genetically predisposed with a serotonin stress transporter gene. This gene is shorter in those who are predisposed to stress, also leading to a greater likelihood of depression. Stress occurs in several ways, and can affect individuals’ much differently. Some examples of when stress may occur are tragedy, trying to meet a certain deadline, monetary troubles, and finding out a medical diagnosis.
What can stress do to our bodies? When individuals become stressed out, it is often that people will turn to bad habits, such as overeating, to try and cope. Stress is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease if the stress an individual is experiencing isn’t managed. The more pressure we place our bodies under, the higher our blood pressure and heart rate, there is an increased risk for irregular heart rhythms, lower immune system functioning, and increased risk of higher cholesterol.
There are lots of healthy ways to minimize stress in our daily lives, and even over time:
~Relaxation Techniques
-Deep Breathing
-Closing your eyes and going to your favorite place (think about
the smells, sights, sounds, etc.)
-Meditation
~Laughter
~Socialization
~Exercise!!!
What is stress? By definition, it's a human’s response to an event or circumstance within the environment that is not desired or is being dreaded.
Some studies suggest that stress susceptibility is linked to genetics and as humans we may be genetically predisposed with a serotonin stress transporter gene. This gene is shorter in those who are predisposed to stress, also leading to a greater likelihood of depression. Stress occurs in several ways, and can affect individuals’ much differently. Some examples of when stress may occur are tragedy, trying to meet a certain deadline, monetary troubles, and finding out a medical diagnosis.
What can stress do to our bodies? When individuals become stressed out, it is often that people will turn to bad habits, such as overeating, to try and cope. Stress is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease if the stress an individual is experiencing isn’t managed. The more pressure we place our bodies under, the higher our blood pressure and heart rate, there is an increased risk for irregular heart rhythms, lower immune system functioning, and increased risk of higher cholesterol.
There are lots of healthy ways to minimize stress in our daily lives, and even over time:
~Relaxation Techniques
-Deep Breathing
-Closing your eyes and going to your favorite place (think about
the smells, sights, sounds, etc.)
-Meditation
~Laughter
~Socialization
~Exercise!!!