Effects of Exercise on Stress Management

Original Editor -

Original Editor - Manisha Shrestha Top Contributors - Manisha Shrestha, Kim Jackson, Lauren Lopez, Shaimaa Eldib, Vidhu Sindwani and WikiSysop

Stress

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.

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.

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 management

Coping refers to a kind of behavioral or cognitive response or strategy to prevent or alleviate stress [23]. There are mainly two types of coping strategies: problem-focused coping and emotion-focused coping. Problem focused coping refers to a way of coping through which people actively seek information or help to tackle a problem directly or diminish its impact, whereas emotion-focused coping refers to involvement in expressing emotion and altering expectation [23]. Problem-focused coping includes seeking counselors to get some advice to fix a problem, while emotion-focused coping includes blaming, venting, denying, avoiding, or just chatting with friends to express feelings. Emotion-focused coping,

References

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