Overview
Stress is how our bodies respond to the demands and challenges of daily life. We often think of stress as a bad thing, but stress can serve a purpose. In small amounts it can help us perform better when we’re under pressure, or tell us to run from danger. When stress becomes overwhelming, it can have negative effects.
How our Bodies React to Stress
You’ve probably noticed your heart racing when you’re scared, or that it can be hard to think straight when you have a lot going on. When something is dangerous, scary, or needs our attention our senses send a message to the brain.
The brain’s command center talks to the rest of the body and tells it to face the problem or run away. This is usually called the “fight or flight” response. To get us ready to face this problem, our body starts to release hormones called adrenaline and cortisol into the blood stream. This makes us more alert and sends energy to every part of our body. When this happens in small amounts, it can be a good thing. It can make us feel alive or excited, like the first day of school, going on a roller coaster, or starting a new job. This positive stress can help us grow as a person and feel proud when we’ve faced the challenge.
When Stress Gets Overwhelming
Sometimes things happen that are more serious, like a death in your family, divorce, or injury. This is when we may feel stronger effects of stress that last longer than usual. We can have trouble sleeping, feel nervous all the time, or even get sick. We can also find ourselves getting angry at others or isolating ourselves more. But once the event has passed, we are usually able to get back to our baseline. We can also have feelings of worry, tension, or even fear. We may have these anxious thoughts without knowing why. These feelings are normal when they happen from time to time. Keeping positive and supportive people around can help us get back to where we want to be.
There are times when stressful or anxious feelings don’t go away. You might notice they:
- Occur frequently
- Feel out of proportion to the situation
- Stay after the situation is over
This happens because our bodies continue releasing cortisol, which keeps us on high alert. If we are always on high alert, it can have more serious effects. Constant stress can lead to issues with our physical health, emotions, and decision-making. This can make it harder to do the things in life that make us happy and healthy. That is why it is so important to find ways to manage our stress in the moment and prepare ourselves for stress that may come up in the future.
If you’re noticing that stressful or anxious feelings are sticking around longer than they should, it might be time to talk to your doctor or get help from a mental health professional.
Managing Stress
Wellness isn't a destination, but an ongoing journey. It's something you have to keep working toward throughout your life. Focusing on your wellbeing helps you handle the stress life throws your way. Yet even when you are at your best, things can get overwhelming. The good news? You can prepare yourself for tough times by practicing self-care and learning ways to calm yourself.