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Does stress cause fatigue


Physical Effects of Stress and How to Treat

Stress can be defined as the feeling of being overwhelmed or unable to cope with mental or emotional pressure. It can have mental and physical consequences (1).

At one point or another, most people deal with feelings of stress. In fact, a study from 2015 found that 59% of adults reported experiencing high levels of perceived stress (2).

Summary

Stress, which is a feeling of being overwhelmed by mental or emotional pressure, is a very common issue.

Decreased energy and insomnia

Prolonged stress can cause chronic fatigue and disruptions in sleep, which may result in decreased energy levels.

For example, a recent study of more than 7,000 working adults found that fatigue was “significantly associated” with work-related stress (3).

Stress may also disrupt sleep and cause insomnia, which can lead to low energy.

A 2018 review published in the Journal of Sleep Research found that “stress-related worry and rumination” can lead to disrupted sleep and eventually the risk of developing insomnia (4).

Another study of 2,316 participants showed that exposure to stress was associated with an increased risk of insomnia (5).

Both of these studies focus in on sleep reactivity, or the extent to which stress affects the ability to fall sleep or remain asleep.

While it’s evident that stress can disrupt sleep, not everyone who experiences stress or who is going through a stressful time will deal with insomnia or sleep disturbances.

Changes in libido

Many people experience changes in their sex drives during stressful periods.

One small study evaluated the stress levels of 30 women and then measured their sexual arousal while watching an erotic film. Those with high levels of chronic stress experienced less sexual arousal compared with those with lower stress levels (6).

A much more recent study published in 2021 on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women’s reproductive health found that 45% of the over 1,000 women surveyed reported a reduced libido due to stress (7).

In addition to stress, there are many other potential causes of changes in libido, including:

  • hormonal changes
  • fatigue
  • psychological issues

Depression

Some studies suggest that chronic stress may be associated with depression and depressive episodes.

One study of 816 women with major depression found that the onset of depression was significantly associated with both acute and chronic stress (8).

Another study found that high levels of stress were associated with the onset of major depression in adolescents (9).

In addition, a 2018 review highlighted the connection between depression and the experience of chronic or inescapable stress (10).

Besides stress, some potential contributors to depression include:

  • family history
  • age
  • environmental factors
  • even certain medications and illnesses
Summary

Stress can cause a wide variety of symptoms, including decreased energy, insomnia, libido changes, and depression.

Acne

Some studies have found that higher levels of stress are associated with increased bouts of acne (11).

One reason for this may be because when some people feel stressed out, they tend to touch their faces more often. This can spread bacteria and contribute to the development of acne (12).

Several studies have also confirmed that acne may be associated with higher levels of stress.

One small study measured acne severity in 22 university students before and during an exam. During examination periods in which stress increased, acne became more severe (13).

Another study of 94 teenagers found that higher stress levels were associated with worse acne, particularly in boys (14).

These studies show an association, but they don’t account for other factors that may be involved. Further research is needed to look at the connection between acne and stress.

In addition to stress, other potential causes of acne include:

  • inflammation
  • hormonal shifts
  • bacteria
  • excess oil production
  • clogged pores

Headaches

Many studies have found that stress can contribute to headaches, a condition characterized by pain in the head, face, or neck region.

A 2015 study showed that increased stress intensity was associated with an increase in the number of headache days experienced per month (15).

Another study surveyed 172 military service members at a headache clinic, finding that 67% reported their headaches were triggered by stress, making it the second most common headache trigger (16).

A smaller 2020 study also found that stress can be a driving factor in tension headaches [17].

Other common headache triggers can include lack of sleep, diet, alcohol consumption, hormonal changes, and more.

Chronic pain

Aches and pains are a common complaint that can result from increased levels of stress. Some studies have found that chronic pain may be associated with higher levels of stress as well as increased levels of cortisol, which is the body’s main stress hormone.

For example, one very small study compared people with chronic back pain to a control group. It found that those with chronic pain had higher levels of cortisol (18).

Another study showed that people with chronic pain had higher levels of cortisol in their hair, which the study described as a novel indicator of prolonged stress (19).

Keep in mind that these studies show an association but don’t look at other factors that may be involved.

Besides stress, there are many other factors that can contribute to chronic pain, such as:

  • aging
  • injuries
  • chronic poor posture
  • nerve damage

Frequent sickness

If you feel like you’re constantly battling a case of the sniffles or other sickness, stress may be to blame.

Stress may take a toll on your immune system. Studies show that higher stress levels are associated with increased susceptibility to infection.

In one study, 116 older adults were given the flu vaccine. Those with chronic stress were found to have a weakened immune response to the vaccine, indicating that stress may be associated with decreased immunity (20).

Similarly, one analysis looking at 27 studies showed that stress was linked to increased susceptibility of developing an upper respiratory infection (21).

A chapter in the 2019 book “The Impact of Everyday Stress on the Immune System and Health” stated that psychological stress can affect a range of bodily functions, such as inflammatory responses, wound healing, and the body’s ability to fight off infection and disease (22).

However, stress is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to immune health. A weakened immune system can also be the result of:

  • a low-nutrient diet
  • substance use
  • physical inactivity
  • disorders of the immune system, such as AIDS

Digestive issues

Some studies have found that stress may be associated with digestive issues, like constipation, heartburn, diarrhea, as well as digestive disorders.

For example, an older study from 2010 that focused on 2,699 children found that exposure to stressful events was associated with increased rates of constipation (23).

Stress may especially affect those with digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

In one study, increased symptoms of digestive distress were associated with higher daily stress levels in 181 women with IBS ().

Additionally, one analysis of 18 studies that investigated the role of stress on inflammatory bowel disease noted that 72% of studies found an association between stress and negative clinical and symptom outcomes (25).

A study from 2017 also highlights the direct connection between stress and symptoms of IBS, saying stress plays “a major role” in the manifestation and worsening of digestive symptoms (26).

Keep in mind that many other factors can cause digestive issues, such as diet, bacteria, infections, certain medications, and more.

Appetite changes and weight gain

Changes in appetite are common during times of stress.

When you feel stressed out, you may find yourself with no appetite at all or overeating without noticing.

One small 2006 study of 272 female college students found that 81 percent reported that they experienced changes in appetite when they were stressed out, with 62 percent stating they had an increase in appetite (27).

Changes in appetite may also cause fluctuations in weight during stressful periods. For example, a study involving 1,355 people in the United States found that stress was associated with weight gain in adults already living with extra weight (28).

A third study from 2017 found that individuals with higher cortisol and insulin levels and higher levels of chronic stress were more likely to gain weight in the future (29). However, the study was limited in the scope of research in that participants were predominantly white females.

While these studies show an association between stress and changes in appetite or weight, more studies are needed to understand other possible factors are involved and how stress impacts different people.

Rapid heartbeat

Several studies have shown that high stress levels can cause a fast heartbeat or heart rate. Stressful events or
tasks may also increase heart rate (30).

In a similar study from 2001, exposing 87 students to a stressful task was found to increase heart rate and blood pressure. Interestingly enough, playing relaxing music during the task actually helped prevent these changes (31).

According to the American Heart Association, undergoing a stressful event can cause your body to release adrenaline, which is a hormone that temporarily causes your heart to beat faster and your blood pressure to rise. This is one reason why living with increased stress may create a rapid heartbeat (32).

Sweating

Exposure to stress may also cause excess sweating, research suggests.

One small study looked at 20 people with palmar hyperhidrosis, a condition characterized by excess sweating in the hands. The study assessed their rate of sweating throughout the day using a scale of 0–10.

Stress significantly increased the rate of sweating by two to five points in those with palmar hyperhidrosis, as well as in the control group (33).

Another study found that 40 teenagers exposed to stress experienced high amounts of sweating and odor (34).

A 2013 review on “psychological sweating” notes such sweating occurs in response to stress and anxiety, stating this type of sweat typically appears on the face, palms, soles of the feet, and underarms (35).

Summary

The physical symptoms of chronic stress are varied and vast, and can include acne, headaches, rapid heartbeat, sweating, changes in appetite, digestive issues, chronic pain, and more frequent infections or bouts of sickness.

As nice as it would be to have a single pill that could completely eliminate all stress, because there are so many different factors that cause stress, there is no one-size-fits-all way to treat it.

Talking with your doctor or a therapist is a great first step, as they can help you figure out what exactly is causing your stress and suggest ways to manage and treat it. They can also help you figure out if your symptoms are indeed caused by stress or another preexisting condition.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are a few lifestyle choices that can also help in managing stress. Some of these include (36):

  • taking breaks from the news
  • taking breaks from your devices (computer, phone, TV)
  • getting adequate exercise and sleep
  • taking breaks to allow your body to rest
  • increasing nutrient-rich foods in your diet
  • doing deep breathing exercises
  • meditating
  • avoiding excessive substance use
  • talking with friends, a trusted advisor, or a therapist
  • building community though faith-based organizations or activities you enjoy

If you feel overwhelmed from stress and aren’t sure what to do, or are having feelings of self-harm, it’s important to talk with someone you trust or a therapist.

You can also call the national suicide prevention lifeline at 800-273-8255, 24 hours a day.

Help is always available.

Summary

Because stress can be caused by a variety of issues and symptoms can vary from person to person, treating it depends on personal factors.

However, certain lifestyle changes, like exercising, taking breaks from the 24-hour news cycle, and talking with friends or trusted advisors may provide some relief.

Chronic stress can affect your entire body, and if it’s not properly managed, can cause serious issues, such as (37):

  • back pain
  • muscle tension
  • worsening asthma symptoms
  • worsening obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) symptoms
  • increased risk of hypertension, stroke, or heart attack
  • mental health conditions
Summary

Chronic stress can affect your entire body, and if left untreated, may drastically reduce your quality of life through chronic pain, increased risk of certain diseases, and changes in mental health.

Occasional stressful events are a part of everyone’s life.

Working through and processing these events — with a support system, if needed — is key to keeping chronic stress at bay.

Chronic stress can take a toll on your mental and physical wellness, creating a wide range of symptoms such as low energy levels, headaches, changes in mood, and decreased sex drive.

Fortunately, there are many ways to help relieve stress, such as talking with friends or a therapist, exercising, and meditating.

Just one thing

Stress and anxiety often overlap, but anxiety has its own classification and is sometimes treated with medication. Give this article a read if you think you may be dealing with anxiety.

Physical Effects of Stress and How to Treat

Stress can be defined as the feeling of being overwhelmed or unable to cope with mental or emotional pressure. It can have mental and physical consequences (1).

At one point or another, most people deal with feelings of stress. In fact, a study from 2015 found that 59% of adults reported experiencing high levels of perceived stress (2).

Summary

Stress, which is a feeling of being overwhelmed by mental or emotional pressure, is a very common issue.

Decreased energy and insomnia

Prolonged stress can cause chronic fatigue and disruptions in sleep, which may result in decreased energy levels.

For example, a recent study of more than 7,000 working adults found that fatigue was “significantly associated” with work-related stress (3).

Stress may also disrupt sleep and cause insomnia, which can lead to low energy.

A 2018 review published in the Journal of Sleep Research found that “stress-related worry and rumination” can lead to disrupted sleep and eventually the risk of developing insomnia (4).

Another study of 2,316 participants showed that exposure to stress was associated with an increased risk of insomnia (5).

Both of these studies focus in on sleep reactivity, or the extent to which stress affects the ability to fall sleep or remain asleep.

While it’s evident that stress can disrupt sleep, not everyone who experiences stress or who is going through a stressful time will deal with insomnia or sleep disturbances.

Changes in libido

Many people experience changes in their sex drives during stressful periods.

One small study evaluated the stress levels of 30 women and then measured their sexual arousal while watching an erotic film. Those with high levels of chronic stress experienced less sexual arousal compared with those with lower stress levels (6).

A much more recent study published in 2021 on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women’s reproductive health found that 45% of the over 1,000 women surveyed reported a reduced libido due to stress (7).

In addition to stress, there are many other potential causes of changes in libido, including:

  • hormonal changes
  • fatigue
  • psychological issues

Depression

Some studies suggest that chronic stress may be associated with depression and depressive episodes.

One study of 816 women with major depression found that the onset of depression was significantly associated with both acute and chronic stress (8).

Another study found that high levels of stress were associated with the onset of major depression in adolescents (9).

In addition, a 2018 review highlighted the connection between depression and the experience of chronic or inescapable stress (10).

Besides stress, some potential contributors to depression include:

  • family history
  • age
  • environmental factors
  • even certain medications and illnesses
Summary

Stress can cause a wide variety of symptoms, including decreased energy, insomnia, libido changes, and depression.

Acne

Some studies have found that higher levels of stress are associated with increased bouts of acne (11).

One reason for this may be because when some people feel stressed out, they tend to touch their faces more often. This can spread bacteria and contribute to the development of acne (12).

Several studies have also confirmed that acne may be associated with higher levels of stress.

One small study measured acne severity in 22 university students before and during an exam. During examination periods in which stress increased, acne became more severe (13).

Another study of 94 teenagers found that higher stress levels were associated with worse acne, particularly in boys (14).

These studies show an association, but they don’t account for other factors that may be involved. Further research is needed to look at the connection between acne and stress.

In addition to stress, other potential causes of acne include:

  • inflammation
  • hormonal shifts
  • bacteria
  • excess oil production
  • clogged pores

Headaches

Many studies have found that stress can contribute to headaches, a condition characterized by pain in the head, face, or neck region.

A 2015 study showed that increased stress intensity was associated with an increase in the number of headache days experienced per month (15).

Another study surveyed 172 military service members at a headache clinic, finding that 67% reported their headaches were triggered by stress, making it the second most common headache trigger (16).

A smaller 2020 study also found that stress can be a driving factor in tension headaches [17].

Other common headache triggers can include lack of sleep, diet, alcohol consumption, hormonal changes, and more.

Chronic pain

Aches and pains are a common complaint that can result from increased levels of stress. Some studies have found that chronic pain may be associated with higher levels of stress as well as increased levels of cortisol, which is the body’s main stress hormone.

For example, one very small study compared people with chronic back pain to a control group. It found that those with chronic pain had higher levels of cortisol (18).

Another study showed that people with chronic pain had higher levels of cortisol in their hair, which the study described as a novel indicator of prolonged stress (19).

Keep in mind that these studies show an association but don’t look at other factors that may be involved.

Besides stress, there are many other factors that can contribute to chronic pain, such as:

  • aging
  • injuries
  • chronic poor posture
  • nerve damage

Frequent sickness

If you feel like you’re constantly battling a case of the sniffles or other sickness, stress may be to blame.

Stress may take a toll on your immune system. Studies show that higher stress levels are associated with increased susceptibility to infection.

In one study, 116 older adults were given the flu vaccine. Those with chronic stress were found to have a weakened immune response to the vaccine, indicating that stress may be associated with decreased immunity (20).

Similarly, one analysis looking at 27 studies showed that stress was linked to increased susceptibility of developing an upper respiratory infection (21).

A chapter in the 2019 book “The Impact of Everyday Stress on the Immune System and Health” stated that psychological stress can affect a range of bodily functions, such as inflammatory responses, wound healing, and the body’s ability to fight off infection and disease (22).

However, stress is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to immune health. A weakened immune system can also be the result of:

  • a low-nutrient diet
  • substance use
  • physical inactivity
  • disorders of the immune system, such as AIDS

Digestive issues

Some studies have found that stress may be associated with digestive issues, like constipation, heartburn, diarrhea, as well as digestive disorders.

For example, an older study from 2010 that focused on 2,699 children found that exposure to stressful events was associated with increased rates of constipation (23).

Stress may especially affect those with digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

In one study, increased symptoms of digestive distress were associated with higher daily stress levels in 181 women with IBS ().

Additionally, one analysis of 18 studies that investigated the role of stress on inflammatory bowel disease noted that 72% of studies found an association between stress and negative clinical and symptom outcomes (25).

A study from 2017 also highlights the direct connection between stress and symptoms of IBS, saying stress plays “a major role” in the manifestation and worsening of digestive symptoms (26).

Keep in mind that many other factors can cause digestive issues, such as diet, bacteria, infections, certain medications, and more.

Appetite changes and weight gain

Changes in appetite are common during times of stress.

When you feel stressed out, you may find yourself with no appetite at all or overeating without noticing.

One small 2006 study of 272 female college students found that 81 percent reported that they experienced changes in appetite when they were stressed out, with 62 percent stating they had an increase in appetite (27).

Changes in appetite may also cause fluctuations in weight during stressful periods. For example, a study involving 1,355 people in the United States found that stress was associated with weight gain in adults already living with extra weight (28).

A third study from 2017 found that individuals with higher cortisol and insulin levels and higher levels of chronic stress were more likely to gain weight in the future (29). However, the study was limited in the scope of research in that participants were predominantly white females.

While these studies show an association between stress and changes in appetite or weight, more studies are needed to understand other possible factors are involved and how stress impacts different people.

Rapid heartbeat

Several studies have shown that high stress levels can cause a fast heartbeat or heart rate. Stressful events or
tasks may also increase heart rate (30).

In a similar study from 2001, exposing 87 students to a stressful task was found to increase heart rate and blood pressure. Interestingly enough, playing relaxing music during the task actually helped prevent these changes (31).

According to the American Heart Association, undergoing a stressful event can cause your body to release adrenaline, which is a hormone that temporarily causes your heart to beat faster and your blood pressure to rise. This is one reason why living with increased stress may create a rapid heartbeat (32).

Sweating

Exposure to stress may also cause excess sweating, research suggests.

One small study looked at 20 people with palmar hyperhidrosis, a condition characterized by excess sweating in the hands. The study assessed their rate of sweating throughout the day using a scale of 0–10.

Stress significantly increased the rate of sweating by two to five points in those with palmar hyperhidrosis, as well as in the control group (33).

Another study found that 40 teenagers exposed to stress experienced high amounts of sweating and odor (34).

A 2013 review on “psychological sweating” notes such sweating occurs in response to stress and anxiety, stating this type of sweat typically appears on the face, palms, soles of the feet, and underarms (35).

Summary

The physical symptoms of chronic stress are varied and vast, and can include acne, headaches, rapid heartbeat, sweating, changes in appetite, digestive issues, chronic pain, and more frequent infections or bouts of sickness.

As nice as it would be to have a single pill that could completely eliminate all stress, because there are so many different factors that cause stress, there is no one-size-fits-all way to treat it.

Talking with your doctor or a therapist is a great first step, as they can help you figure out what exactly is causing your stress and suggest ways to manage and treat it. They can also help you figure out if your symptoms are indeed caused by stress or another preexisting condition.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are a few lifestyle choices that can also help in managing stress. Some of these include (36):

  • taking breaks from the news
  • taking breaks from your devices (computer, phone, TV)
  • getting adequate exercise and sleep
  • taking breaks to allow your body to rest
  • increasing nutrient-rich foods in your diet
  • doing deep breathing exercises
  • meditating
  • avoiding excessive substance use
  • talking with friends, a trusted advisor, or a therapist
  • building community though faith-based organizations or activities you enjoy

If you feel overwhelmed from stress and aren’t sure what to do, or are having feelings of self-harm, it’s important to talk with someone you trust or a therapist.

You can also call the national suicide prevention lifeline at 800-273-8255, 24 hours a day.

Help is always available.

Summary

Because stress can be caused by a variety of issues and symptoms can vary from person to person, treating it depends on personal factors.

However, certain lifestyle changes, like exercising, taking breaks from the 24-hour news cycle, and talking with friends or trusted advisors may provide some relief.

Chronic stress can affect your entire body, and if it’s not properly managed, can cause serious issues, such as (37):

  • back pain
  • muscle tension
  • worsening asthma symptoms
  • worsening obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) symptoms
  • increased risk of hypertension, stroke, or heart attack
  • mental health conditions
Summary

Chronic stress can affect your entire body, and if left untreated, may drastically reduce your quality of life through chronic pain, increased risk of certain diseases, and changes in mental health.

Occasional stressful events are a part of everyone’s life.

Working through and processing these events — with a support system, if needed — is key to keeping chronic stress at bay.

Chronic stress can take a toll on your mental and physical wellness, creating a wide range of symptoms such as low energy levels, headaches, changes in mood, and decreased sex drive.

Fortunately, there are many ways to help relieve stress, such as talking with friends or a therapist, exercising, and meditating.

Just one thing

Stress and anxiety often overlap, but anxiety has its own classification and is sometimes treated with medication. Give this article a read if you think you may be dealing with anxiety.

Stress and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Any irritating factor, be it an inconvenient work schedule, illness of a loved one or personal problems, eventually leads to the development of stress. However, it is a mistake to believe that all troubles come from outside. Often, stress is due to the nature of a person, for example, his emotionality, lack of vitamins and bad habits, which leads to a decrease in immunity. According to another point of view, chronic fatigue syndrome occurs against the background of herpes, enterovirus or Coxsackie virus. nine0003

In addition to the factors listed above, the emotional state of a person is influenced by his profession. Thus, the risk group includes specialists whose work involves constant communication or the performance of important tasks.

Stress and fatigue: is there a relationship?

Canadian doctor Hans Selye proved the existence of a relationship between stress (long-term or short-term, but strong) and chronic fatigue and formulated 2 stages of fatigue formation:

  • Resistance. The body mobilizes internal reserves, directing them to combat the negative impact. The active production of hormones is accompanied by an influx of energy. Ideally, over time, stressors weaken or disappear, and the body goes into a standard mode of operation. If this does not happen, a long struggle is followed by the next stage.
  • Exhaustion. The main consequence of prolonged stress is chronic fatigue. The body cannot support the work of the protective mechanism, and therefore becomes vulnerable. The problem is exacerbated if fatigue is associated with hormonal disorders, chronic diseases or situations, some of which are not possible to influence. nine0012

Symptoms of chronic fatigue can be confused with manifestations of other diseases. For example, ARVI or flu is characterized by a decrease in efficiency and concentration, weakness and a number of other conditions. However, there is one significant difference - such conditions can persist for 2 weeks after the end of treatment, but no more. Otherwise, you need to contact a specialist - a general practitioner, endocrinologist, adult or pediatric neurologist in Ufa.

When should I see a doctor? nine0007

The main symptoms of stress and chronic fatigue include apathy, lack of appetite, deterioration of memory and concentration, craving for bad habits, lack of interest in intimate life, exacerbation of chronic diseases, insomnia or, conversely, constant drowsiness, lack of strength and tremor.

If simple stress can be "cured" by taking a vacation, everything here is much more complicated. Here are just a few suggestions:

  • Reduce the existing load by 20%.
  • Eliminate stressors.
  • Increase physical activity.
  • Relax. As an option - yoga, breathing exercises or massage of the cervical-collar zone in Ufa.
  • Visit a psychologist. A life without stress is an existence in harmony with oneself.
  • Do not stop taking your doctor's prescriptions. Antidepressants may be needed to treat severe conditions.

You can make an appointment with a neurologist in Ufa by calling +7 (347) 216 00 22.

Do not confuse stress with overload and fatigue

On April 24, within the framework of the "Success Week of AFK Sistema and RUDN University", which took place on April 17-24, 40 future doctors, psychologists, linguists, philologists of RUDN University took part in a master class " Stress and methods of dealing with it, which was held by Evgeny Lazarev, Head of the International Department of the MEDSI Group of Companies. He talked about the types of stress and how to learn to listen to your body and stay healthy.

Yevgeny Lazarev noted that earlier requests for treatment at the clinic were received from people over 35-40 years old, and now there are more requests from young people. nine0003

“In 10-15 years you will rule this world and perhaps make it better. Think of yourself as a corporation today. Each of you is a small or medium company. Everyone has one main resource that cannot be returned - your health, body, organism. On the one hand, it is a liquid asset. On the other hand, this resource practically does not give interest on the deposit. At the same time, it determines your behavior and where you will find yourself tomorrow,” Evgeny Lazarev, Head of the International Department of the MEDSI Group of Companies. nine0003

He explained the mechanisms of the influence of stress on human health. In the African savannah, when a herd of antelopes is grazing, a lion can attack them at any second. But antelopes do not live in constant stress. The lion appeared - there is stress, you have to run. There is no lion - there is no stress. But animals have only objective thinking, while humans also have abstract thinking.

“In humans, everything is much more complicated. He can invent stress for himself and live in this stress reaction for a long time. Our body in the head creates an image of danger and triggers the same reactions that are inherent if you experience fear in reality. These categories include not only a physical threat, but also mortgages that are not paid on time, loan debts, worries about a potential pregnancy, and others that trigger a fairly strong stress reaction.” nine0003

It is important to develop methods of dealing with stress and interacting with your body in youth, when habits, ways of perceiving and learning information are developed. The body needs constant care: it needs to be fed regularly and well, sleep and rest, load the body with exercises, and the brain with interesting tasks.

The first to use the word "stress" was the Canadian pathologist and endocrinologist Hans Selye, but the concept of "stress" was introduced by the American psychophysiologist, physiologist Walter Cannon. He was also the first to propose the fight-or-flight response. nine0003

There are 3 types of stress:
  • Physical stress. What makes our body adapt (temperature, physical damage, lack of sleep).
  • Emotional stress. It can be experienced by people and animals - its launch is associated with emotional stress (when we were yelled at).
  • Psychological. It is caused by negative experiences, a negative assessment from society.

Do not confuse stress with overload and fatigue - they can be solved with rest. If the body is tired, then it is better to sleep, if you are overtired, you need to go on vacation. nine0003

Stress is triggered by a number of conditions:
  • Limited mobility. Stress appears when a person is placed in a confined space or when there is no way to move, travel.
  • Limited time conditions. We find ourselves in a stressful situation when we are given an urgent task.
  • Violation of ecological rhythms. You will experience stress with lack of sleep, hunger, lack of rest.

Therefore, for example, after a lecture, it is advisable not to sit on the phone, but to go for a walk, get some fresh air. If you are limited in time in the implementation of the project, try to agree and assign convenient schedules. nine0003

The most terrible problem is that stress takes a lot of strength and leads the body to exhaustion. Hans Selye assumed that forces have limited resources and are gradually running out. Over time, scientists came to the conclusion that resources can be restored.

“The body always gives a hint that you have a problem, nothing will just hurt. Due to the fact that we are under the influence of informational noise and do not listen to ourselves, as a result we get a disease. Stress in itself is not the cause of illness.

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