Stress and Health

Original Editor - Manisha Shrestha Top Contributors - Manisha Shrestha, Lucinda hampton, Sehriban Ozmen and Kim Jackson

What is Stress?

There is no any universal definition of stress. Jackson defined stress as the disruption of the body’s homeostasis or a state of disharmony in response to a real or perceived threat or challenge. Whereas McEwen simply states that “Stress is a word used to describe experiences that are challenging emotionally and physiologically.” Stress may be defined as a state of threatened homeostasis, which is counteracted by adaptive processes involving affective, physiological, biochemical, and cognitive–behavioral responses in an attempt to regain homeostasis.[2]

Stressors

The threatening or challenging situation is referred to as a “stressor.”These stressors may be

1. Acute: Acute stress is what an individual experiences at the time the stressor is encountered. The stress response is activated, and the body returns to homeostasis once the challenge of the stressor is removed or the person successfully manages the situation. For eg: traffic jam
2. Episodic acute: When an individual experiences acute stress on a consistent basis, such as with over committing at work or constant worrying which often show signs and symptoms of stress that can negatively impact physical and psychological health.
3. Chronic: Chronic stress results when there are constant multiple stressors or major life stressors present (e.g., bereavement, childhood voilent attack, personal health problems, job stability, family responsibilities and personal safety)

Stress becomes a problem when too much is experienced, and it has a negative impact on behaviors, relationships, and health. The term “eustress” refers to positive stress that is associated with improved performance and productivity. “Distress” is negative stress that is associated with performance decrement and negative health consequences. The individual’s perception of the stressor and coping resources determine whether a situation is eustress or distress.

When a person encounters a stressor, the body prepares to respond to the challenge or threat. The autonomic nervous and endocrine systems respond by producing the hormones epinephrine, norepinephrine, and cortisol. The result of this hormone production is a cascade of physiological reactions that make up the stress response. These changes make up the fight-or-flight response, production of β-endorphin (the body’s natural pain killer), and increased acuity of the senses which prepares the body to cope with the stressor.If the stressor is perceived as negative or more as a threat than as a challenge, cortisol production is increased. Cortisol is involved in energy production but also suppresses immune function. General stress response pattern vary according to the characteristics of the stressor i.e familiarity of stressor and level of perceived control one has over the stressor.

Signs and Symptoms of Stress

Some of the common signs and symptoms of stress are:

• headache
• sleep disturbace
• upset stomach
• fatigue
• lack of concentration
• muscle tension
• irritability and short temper
• change in dietary habit
• anxiety
• frequent cold

Stress and Health

References

1. ↑ Jump up to:1.0 1.1 1.2 Jackson EM. Stress relief: The role of exercise in stress management. ACSM's Health & Fitness Journal. 2013 May 1;17(3):14-9.
2. ↑ Jump up to:2.0 2.1 Stults-Kolehmainen MA, Sinha R. The effects of stress on physical activity and exercise. Sports medicine. 2014 Jan 1;44(1):81-121.