Stress & Well-being
When we think about stress, many people think stress only has to do with ‘physical fatigue’, probably because of poor rest, and engaging in rigorous physical activity, etc.
But in the actual sense, there are several other factors that can inflict stress on an individual and disrupt their socio-occupational, physical, emotional health, such as;
● Environmental factors/ Hassles of life (Hustle and Bustle) - Noise, pollution, quarrelsome neighbors, traffic snarls, shortage of water, extreme temperatures
● Situational Factors - Financial pressures, loss of a job, interpersonal conflicts, traumatic events such as robbery, floods, e.t.c
● Physical health factors - Living with a disease, injury, fatigu
Stressors are events/situations/factors perceived by an individual as;
● Threatening
● Harmful
● Uncontrollable / exceeds our resources of coping and produces a stress response.
For traumatic life events, most of these instances are sudden, unexpected and cause extreme turmoil in one’s life. The effects of these events may occur after some lapse of time and sometimes persist as symptoms of anxiety, flashbacks, dreams and intrusive thoughts--- phenomenon referred to as ‘Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)’. Severe trauma can also strain relationships.
They will need professional help to cope with them especially if they persist for many months after the trauma is over.
Some Few Facts About Stress
● Almost any change in life situation or environment is stress, even if it is pleasant such as vacations.
● Every stress demands coping
● A little stress is useful in helping us adapt to the myriad of changes that take place in our lives
Effects of Stress on Our Bodies
● Low mood, depression, anxiety, increased irritability, tearfulness
● Hypertension (high B.P.), sleep disturbance, reduced appetite (hunger), gastritis, constipation or loose bowel, sleep disturbance, headaches, body aches, weakness in the body, fainting spells, palpitations (increased heartbeat) etc.
● Poor concentration in work, poor registration capacity, poor decision making, poor problem solving capacity
● Withdrawn behavior, low initiative to work or socialize, restlessness, increased aggression, poor work performance.
There are two types of stress classification known as the positive: eustress and negative stress: distress. We also known positive stress as good tress/eustress and it is the type of stress response we get when we get excited about something. Positive stress can also refer to the times you respond well to a challenge that you experience from a stressor
Negative stress, also called distress, is detrimental to the health when a person faces continuous challenges without relief or relaxation between challenges. As a result, the person becomes overworked and stress-related tension continues to gain momentum.
To make things easier, there are a myriad of ways to help deal with stress. Some of these options are counselling, psychotherapy, rest and so many more.
Need help and professional advice as regards stress and how it affects your daily wellbeing: Kindly call us the counsellor at Premium Wellness Program on 08150877724, 08054170434.