Stress is like adjusting the strings of a guitar. Some tension makes the guitar sound good, but beyond a certain limit, that tension can break the string. Similarly stress can be a positive thing for human beings. For example, it can give an athlete competitive drive. But beyond certain levels, stress can be devastating to your health and relationships. 

Stress is a serious health problem. If you suffer from stress, you’re not alone. Stress and anxiety negatively affect roughly 19 million Americans. More than 60 percent of Americans say they are affected by work-related stress, and 73 percent of Americans think that money is a contributing factor to the stress. When it comes to seeking help, 66 percent of Americans say they would welcome it. 

What Exactly Is Stress?

Stress can mean different things to different people. Some may know it as physical, mental and emotional tension; while others characterize it as being overwhelmed with tasks, responsibilities, and demands on their time. Simply put, stress is a physical response to external events or incidents that can throw your emotional state out of balance. This physical response can also prepare your body and mind for upcoming challenges or help you react to dangerous situations.

 When stress levels spiral out of control, you may start to experience a few symptoms that affect your body, mind, and behavior. The physical signs of stress may include body aches and pain, nausea, increased heartbeat, and shortness of breath. Severe stress may even cause headaches, stomach pain, or chest pains; and can result in excessive perspiration, sleepless nights, nightmares, and a loss of sex drive.

The mental effects of stress include anxiety, mood swings, depression, anger and an inability to relax. People who are stressed may constantly seem hurried, irritated, and perpetually under pressure.

Stress can also adversely affect your behavior. You may notice a sharp loss or gain in appetite or sleep. It is not uncommon to develop feelings of loneliness and nervous habits like knuckle cracking or nail biting. A few people even turn to smoking, drinking, and abusing drugs in response to stress.

Perhaps the most dangerous aspect of stress is that it tends to feed on itself. If you fail to reduce your stress levels and instead internalize your stress, you will likely worsen the condition. Stress can even make you physically ill – and then aggravate the symptoms of your illness if left unchecked.

 Anything that increases your stress level is called a stressor. Stress can be caused by both external and internal factors. Some external factors that cause stress include:

• Major life changes

• A busy work schedule

• A social, physical or financial threat

• Fear

• Dysfunctional relationships at home or work

• The death of a family member

• Health issues

• Alcohol or drug abuse

• Being bullied

• A lack of sleep

• Worrying about your children

• Some stressors that are internally created include:

• Recklessness

• Resistance to change

• Pessimism

• Setting unrealistic expectations

• Shyness

But stressors are not always negative. Positive life events such as getting married, moving to a new place, being promoted at work, or going to college can also raise stress levels.

There is no single cure for excessive stress. People perceive stress differently, so an event or condition that is stressful to you may not be stressful to others. While too much stress can result in negative consequences, there are relaxation techniques you can employ to manage your stress, such as:

• Breathing exercises

• Resting or sleeping

• Listening to music

• Reading

• Taking a soothing bath

• Spending time with your friends, family, or pets

• Meditation

• Aerobic exercise

Though you may feel that your life is out of control, it is never too late to make healthy lifestyle changes. You can control your stress by altering your routine and your environment, as well as by examining how your thoughts and emotions affect your stress levels and behavior. With a little determination and practice, you can even change the way you deal with problems, react to certain situations, and prioritize events in your life.

Family and friends can help you in your battle against stress. When you have a caring support system around you, the pressures and frustrations of life may not affect you as strongly. If a relationship with a friend or family member is the reason for your stress, then consider talking with him or her about it. It may even help to write down the steps needed to mend your relationship and set small achievable targets to reach that goal. 

Live Stress Free 

Stress is a complicated phenomenon that disturbs your equilibrium, balance or state of mind. When stress becomes intolerable, it can have devastating effects on your normal life. The signs vary from simple irritation to resorting to heavy drinking or smoking. If you can recognize stress, you can begin to manage it well. The best way to manage stress is to become resilient to stress through exercise and meditation. Don’t let tension break you down; take the necessary steps to make your life stress free.