Stress is the body’s attempt to adapt to a life challenge. It is caused by many emotions – from excitement, panic, to sadness, but it can also protect us from serious illnesses.

Stress sends us signs that we can recognize to protect ourselves in time, sometimes from very serious diseases.

Practically, stress is the body’s attempt to adapt to an unpleasant event or life challenge. It is an inevitable part of life, and we can only adapt to it. Some simple ways can help us with that.

Manifestations of stress

Stress generally causes a lot of emotions: from panic to sadness and excitement. Psychologists believe that it is mainly a factor that activates our emotions.

It is also characterized by physical manifestations, and the most common are rapid heartbeat, rapid breathing and problems with the digestive tract.

How to recognize stress triggers?

To manage stress well, it is important to recognize its triggers.

For example, each person reacts differently to emotional stress, but psychologists single out poor concentration and memory difficulties as the most common reactions.

Emotional stress is often accompanied by symptoms of anxiety, anger, pain, sadness. Stress in this way can also affect the general health condition and cause a strong feeling of exhaustion and fatigue.

Chronic headaches, muscle tension, and digestive issues are common consequences of exposure to stress.

Acute, episodic and prolonged stress

Depending on the factors that caused the onset of stress, it can be acute, episodic, or prolonged.

Acute emotional stress, for example, can be caused by waiting for critical laboratory results or waiting for the results of a significant exam.

Prolonged emotional stress is most frequently the result of a hostile environment. Episodic emotional stress can occur every time a person finds himself in a critical situation.

Healthy habits are great allies in the fight against stress

Healthy living habits can be great allies in the fight against stress. Sufficient water, a healthy diet, physical activity and quality sleep can help a lot when it comes to coping with stress.

B vitamins are important for brain health, they also help in stressful situations. Vitamin C is considered key to overcoming stress. Avoid processed foods as well as excessive salt intake.

Talk to friends

Talking to friends or a person who has been in a similar stressful situation can be very helpful.

Support groups after traumatic experiences can sometimes be a significant point of support so that chronic stress does not turn into a depressed state and lead to serious illness.

If that doesn’t help, seek professional help.

Pets and plants have a relaxing effect

A pet can be very influential when it comes to coping with stress. Walking and playing with a dog or cat has a relaxing effect on many people.

Individuals are looking for a way out of stress, but they also find themselves nurturing flowers or gardens. Physical activity and clean air are also great valves to cope with stressful situations.

Honest laughter is a great enemy of stress

Laughter activates the muscles of the face, chest and almost all muscles of the body. It lowers blood pressure, strengthens circulation, and the blood is better supplied with nutrients.

Laughter also affects the reduction of stress hormones. Some scientists have proven that laughter releases the hormone of happiness – endorphins while reducing the level of cortisol, a stress hormone.