Stress usually goes hand in hand with a weakened immune system. The body becomes more susceptible to illnesses such as heart attacks, depression and sleep disorders. But stress also has positive sides: The The release of hormones provides energy and even helps us to overcome fears more easily. But how can you use stress to your advantage and avoid risks to your health?
The causes
A hectic pace determines the everyday lives of many people. They suffer from constant time pressure and ever-increasing demands at work. But stress can also be found in other areas of life. Private problems, such as conflicts in a relationship, can also trigger stress. Mental and psychological tension has a direct effect on the body and weakens our immune system. The risk of contracting infections increases.
Another stress factor can be an increased noise level to which we are constantly exposed. Researchers at the University of Innsbruck and Cornell University in Ithaca have found, for example, that even normal, everyday street noise leads to stress symptoms such as increased blood pressure and heart rate in children. In general, people witht Stress when they feel overwhelmed and unable to control a situation.
Ways out of stress
To some extent, we can also influence or even avoid stress ourselves. Experts recommend dividing up work sensibly and handing tasks over to others. Proper daily planning also saves time. Regular Recovery breaks and relaxation exercises also provide energy.
Friends and family are also important: they can help you switch off from everyday stress. In some cases, however, professional therapy is necessary in order to find out the exact causes of stress and to deal better with daily burdens. We can only remain productive in the long term if we manage to achieve a balance between work and leisure.
The power of hormones
Stress triggers a chain reaction in the body: Our diencephalon sends nerve impulses to the adrenal glands. These produce more of the stress hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline and release them into the blood. The effect: the body is on high alert. The heart beats faster and irregularly, blood pressure rises. At the same time, the muscles are supplied with more blood and therefore more oxygen. In addition, the adrenal glands release the hormone cortisol. This hormone provides an energy boost and attacks the fat reserves. An exhausting state for the body that is harmful over a longer period of time.
Too much stress makes you ill
The first warning sign that we have exceeded the limits of our resilience is total exhaustion. As a result, many people suffer from chronic fatigue, Sleep disorders or concentration problems. If the body is repeatedly flooded with excessive doses of adrenaline and noradrenaline, it also reacts with high blood pressure. This increases the risk of heart attacks, among other things. The digestive system is also burdened by stress. Over seven million Germans complain of stress-related gastrointestinal disorders.
Miracle cure stress
But stress is not only harmful: in the right doses, it drives us to peak performance. It helps us to take on new challenges and overcome fears. This is because the release of hormones gives the body an energy boost and sharpens all our senses. Adrenaline also alleviates minor pain. So, within limits, stress is definitely useful.
