Stress is defined as a perturbation of the body’s homeostasis. This demand on mind-body occurs when it tries to cope with incessant changes. Stress in moderation is normal and useful. Extreme and undue stress is pathological.
Causes
External Stressors
- Major Life Events
- Daily irritations
These are the day-to-day hassles we face, from waking up late, misplacing keys, non-able to start a car, waiting in a queue, bad neighbours, irritating kids, meal making etc. to late night sleeps. Even at workplaces, conflicts with colleagues, lack of work recognition, low pay, etc. are stress factors for many people. These small things are the actual stress giver.
Internal Stressors
Our beliefs, low self-esteem, perfectionism, high expectations, excess anger, and negative self-talk cause health detrimental stress.
Physical stressors
- Chronic hyperventilation
- Drug/alcohol abuse
- Excess caffeine
- Excess heat/cold
- Excess/too little exercise
- Hypoglycaemia
- Poor diet
- Surgery
Symptoms and signs
- Frequent Colds or Flu
- Frustration
- General Anxiety
- Low Libido
- Sleep Problems
- Stale thinking
- Tension headaches
Treatment of Stress
- Counselling is the single foremost treatment for Stress.
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
- Anger management
- Recognize the factors which make you anger
- Know the early symptoms when you get angry
- Take time to cool down
- Try to remove/amend the anger aggravating factors/situations
- Meditation
- Exercise
- Yoga
- Ayurvedic Medicines