Stress, The Silent Killer

STRESS

Anything that poses challenge to our well-being is stress.

CAUSES OF STRESS
ü  Work
ü  Major life changes
ü  Relationship challenges
ü  Financial constraints
ü  Being too busy
ü  Responsibilities
ü  Education/schooling
ü  Unrealistic expectations
ü  Inferiority complex

SIGNS
We can classify the signs of stress into two:
Cognitive/Emotional Signs
These include:

• Memory loss
• Inability to concentrate
• Poor judgement
• Pessimism
• Worrying
• Agitation
• Sense of loneliness
• Depression

Physical Signs

• Nausea
• Weakness
• Diarrhoea
• Body aches
• Loss of sex drive
• Sleeping too much or too less
• Substance abuse, such as alcohol, drugs etc
• Nervous habits such as nail biting, pacing about

NB: It is important to note that the above-mentioned signs and symptoms could be indicative of a disease; hence there is the need to seek medical attention, having identified any.

WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR BODY DURING STRESS?
v  Blood pressure increases
v  Breathing rate increases
v  Digestion slows down
v  Pulse rises
v  Immune deficiency efficiency goes down

EFFECTS
Stress can have devastating effects on your body. If not well managed, your body becomes at risk of

• Body pains
• Hypertension
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Autoimmune diseases

MANAGEMENT
Stress is inevitable, and cannot be eliminated. Absence of stress means death! However, we need to manage how it affects us.
Here are 10 effective ways to manage stress:

1. Exercise
2. Avoid or reduce intake of alcohol, caffeine and any other drug.
3. Take a balanced diet
4. Express your thoughts and worries
5.  Share your problems with others
6. Try relaxation techniques such as meditation, massaging, yoga etc
7. Keep a positive attitude. Be assertive instead of being aggressive
8. Make time for hobbies, interests and fun.
9. Always get enough sleep and rest.
10. Seek professional help. Talk to your doctor or a clinical psychiatrist