Tension, Health Problems, and Stress Management Methods

The stress is an inevitable phenomenon of modern life that affects all of us. People often think of distress, or negative stress, when faced with everyday challenges. At such times, we feel the situation is unsolvable, we become helpless, and we lose our perspective. However, stress has another side, known as eustress, which refers to positive stress. This form of stress has an energetic, motivating effect that aids concentration and performance.

Understanding the difference between eustress and distress is important for effectively coping with the challenges posed by stress. While positive stress promotes growth and performance, negative stress can have harmful effects on our health in the long run. The key to managing stress lies in how we relate to different situations and what strategies we employ to overcome life’s challenges.

Stress is not just an emotional phenomenon; it is also a physiological reaction that significantly impacts our body and health. To understand the effects of stress, it is important to recognize its impact on our body and the underlying mechanisms.

Eustress and Distress – Types of Stress

The two fundamental forms of stress, eustress and distress, have different effects on the body. Eustress is associated with positive experiences, such as the birth of a child or an unexpected lottery win. In such situations, stress helps with concentration, enhances motivation, and promotes performance. Eustress acts as a motivating force that helps us cope with challenges and move forward in life.

In contrast, distress, or negative stress, occurs when we feel the situation is unsolvable. At such times, the body reacts, and the sympathetic nervous system is activated, leading to numerous physiological changes. The increased levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol, adrenaline, and noradrenaline, result in emergency reactions, which can have harmful effects on the body in the long run.

Acute stress, such as during an exam or an important presentation, is usually temporary, and the body can quickly return to normal functioning. However, if stress becomes prolonged, it can lead to chronic stress, which can result in serious health problems, such as cardiovascular diseases, respiratory disorders, immune system dysfunctions, and psychological issues. This type of stress has detrimental effects on both physical and mental health.

The Impact of Stress on Our Body

Stress influences the functioning of our body in various ways and can contribute to the development of numerous diseases. The effects of stress can manifest both directly and indirectly, such as through a weakened immune system. Research indicates that stress plays a role in the development of several diseases, including high blood pressure, heart attacks, respiratory problems, as well as allergic and autoimmune diseases.

The effects of stress are particularly observable in neurological diseases and sexual dysfunctions in both genders. Chronic stress can contribute to a decrease in libido and can lead to erectile dysfunction in men. Additionally, prolonged stress can also contribute to mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety.

Although the relationship between stress and cancer is still a topic of debate, numerous studies suggest that the impact of stress on the recovery of cancer patients is significant. Poorly managed stress can worsen recovery chances, making stress management crucial in cases of cancer.

Why is Everyday Stress Dangerous?

Research shows that everyday chronic stress factors, such as workplace pressure, family conflicts, or financial difficulties, can be much more dangerous to our health than one-time intense stressful events, such as a death. These continuous stress factors can cause anxiety, tension, and depression, which can severely affect physical and mental health in the long run.

The sources of stress can be not only external factors but also internal conflicts arising from our mindset. Constant worrying and ruminating over seemingly unsolvable problems are also stress-inducing factors that significantly affect our quality of life.

Stress is an unavoidable part of our lives, but it is important to manage it consciously. Changing our relationship with stressors can help reduce stress levels. How threatening we perceive the stress source and how we evaluate our coping options are crucial in managing stress. If we feel we cannot cope with stress, it is advisable to seek help, whether from friends or professionals.

Options for Managing Chronic Stress

Managing chronic stress is extremely important, as our reactions to situations and our stress management strategies determine how we experience our daily lives. Since stress management is individual, it is worth seeking the help of a professional who can create a personalized plan. Below are some effective stress management methods.

First of all, the ability to say “no” is fundamentally important. This helps prevent us from feeling overwhelmed and protects our interests. Additionally, effective time management and prioritizing tasks can also help reduce stress.

To avoid stress sources, it may be beneficial to change our environment. This means distancing ourselves from stress-inducing situations in time and space while we gather strength to address them. Self-reward, exercise, relaxation techniques, and proper nutrition can also contribute to stress management.

Analyzing the situation can also be an effective method. It is important to examine what bothers us in the situation, what positives we can find in it, and what feelings and expectations we have. We may also need to change our mindset to see the situation from a different perspective.

If we feel that managing stress is difficult alone, psychologists can provide professional help in managing stress, thereby improving our quality of life.