Facts about stress (and how to beat it)

A natural response, stress can actually be good, but too much can be troubling.

Stress, something everyone feels, is not an emotion or a feeling.

Stress, in fact, is a response — it’s the body’s response to cope with external changes, ones that may present a challenge, especially if it’s a form of adversity.

It’s a natural reaction — it’s part of the body’s design. And it’s not always a detriment to your health. Short periods of stress can keep people alert and able to respond to sudden situations.

Stress, though, becomes a concern when it’s prolonged and without relief for extended periods of time, and it can lead to some serious health complication:

• Headaches
• Heartburn
• Rapid breathing
• Increased risk for heart attack
• High blood pressure
• Weakened immune system
• Insomnia
• Depression
• Stomach distress
• Tense muscles

One person’s reaction to their stressors might differ from another’s, but most people can expect to experience:

• Feeling unexplained aches and pains
• Sensation of a racing heart
• Regular headaches and/or dizziness
• Shaking
• Digestive issues
• Trouble sleeping

If these symptoms have become a “normal” and almost expected part of life, occurring more and more, the time’s come to see a doctor.

Before reaching that point, though, there are activities to help people de-stress, relax and address some of those worrisome symptoms.

• Regular exercise
• Natural supplements
• Soothing music, scents and meditation
• Reduced caffeine consumption
• Spending time with friends, family and pets
• Avoiding taking on additional responsibilities