Stress is an essential body response to any negative external stimuli, which helps avoid more harm. It includes a set of adaptive reactions of the organism that violate the state of the human nervous system and homeostasis. Moreover, in some situations, one-time severe stress, such as participation in hostilities, the threat of death, or violence, can cause post-traumatic stress disorder. It formulates a painful mental state for a person for a long time. Despite the many kinds of stress, the impact on the human body has similar features in all types, moreover, some steps may be taken to reduce stress.
In most cases, the effect of stress on the body is negative since hypersecretion of hormones occurs due to the mechanism of adaptation. It disrupts the normal functioning of the systems in the human body and causes neurosis, anxiety, depression, mood swings, and emotional instability (Cakmur, 2020). Furthermore, stress can lead to sleep disturbances, memory problems, overanxiety, temper tantrums, and increased fatigue. Prolonged exposure to stress worsens the body’s resistance and the immune and vegetative systems of a person and disrupts the functioning of hormonal glands and metabolism (Cakmur, 2020). Stress can be caused by changing place of residence or job, the death of a close person, divorce, everyday troubles associated with money problems, or sharp deadlines. Moreover, stress negatively affects not only the systems of the human body, but also mental health, since it can cause some disorders.
Under stress, biochemical reactions occur much faster than usual, releasing many necessary hormones depending on the situation in a short time. It allows one to utilize more resources than usual, but at the same time, the body’s resource is depleted faster. The adrenal glands release a large amount of adrenaline into the blood, which is the primary fast-acting stimulant. During the release of adrenaline, thought processes, strength, and speed increase, however, after some time, the person feels sharp, severe fatigue. Moreover, excessive amounts of hormones released during stress cause unwanted reactions that can lead to various diseases. Due to the large amount of adrenaline during stress, processes inside the body are accelerated, the pulse quickens, pressure rises, and breathing becomes fast and intermittent. All this negatively affects the human body as stress causes an excessive load on all systems. In addition, the active release of hormones negatively affects the hormonal system, since it incorrectly distributes the allocated body’s resources.
Stress reduction methods include urgent, that is, those that should be taken immediately after the incident, and long-term. One of the most effective immediate techniques is to focus on one’s own breath and try to align it (Chahal, 2021). If done correctly, this method helps lower pressure, equalize the pulse and reduce the release of adrenaline. Moreover, by concentrating on the breath, one can take one’s mind off the situation and slow down the too-fast thought process to make a thoughtful decision. If the situation allows, yoga, jogging, walking, or any physical activity can help to reduce stress as well. Yoga promotes clearing the brain of unnecessary thoughts and information and concentrating on an effective action plan. In turn, physical activity causes the release of dopamine, or the hormone of joy, which will improve mood. Long-term methods include socializing, finding a new hobby, getting a pet, and traveling.
To conclude, stress is an adaptive response of the body to external stimuli involving the nervous system and hormones. Although severe stress can cause a short-term increase in strength, speed, and thought process, it has a negative effect on the body. The accumulation of hormones causes unhealthy processes in the systems of the human body, which contribute to the development of diseases. In addition, hypersecretion of hormones provokes a rapid depletion of the body and a decrease in resistance and immunity.
References
Cakmur, H. (2020). Effects of Stress on Human Health. Books on Demand.
Chahal, R. S. (2021). Exquisite Stress Management. Rana Books India.