Since 1992, Stress Awareness Month has been observed in April to shed light on the increase of chronic stress and to provide resources to lessen the effects of stress on our health.
Stress normally occurs in our lives, such as giving a presentation in front of people, planning a wedding, or dealing with the stressors brought on by illness or COVID-19. These stressors have an affect on us, but we can work through them and learn some resiliency skills. Though, when there is constant stress affecting our lives, this can lead to chronic stress. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), COVID-19 has impacted both young and old, as many face challenges, losses, illness, and mental health challenges. So how does stress affect us? First, we must understand what stress is. According to the American Institute of Stress, “Stress is a natural, physical and mental reaction to life experiences…Your body responds to stress by releasing hormones that increase your heart and breathing rates and ready your muscles to respond [to the situation].” The body is affected when there is constant stress (chronic stress), where your body does not bounce back to its natural state and continues to release hormones that increase your heart and breathing rates, which takes its toll on the body. Some common signs of stress include frequent headaches, neck and back pain, insomnia, stomach pain, depression, and many more. With chronic stress, the heart beats faster increasing blood pressure and blood sugar in our bodies. Under stress, the liver releases more sugar, which over time, increases risk of Type 2 Diabetes, or if already diabetic, causes more harm to the body. Stress also causes blood vessels to constrict, which can lead to high blood pressure or affect those who already suffer from the disease. Other effects are a weakened immune system and inflammation to heart arteries. What can we do to lessen effects of stress? According to Extension Program Specialist Julie Tijerina, “By learning some simple techniques, we can learn to accept that stressors in our lives will exist, but how we choose to handle them, will help us lessen its effect on our bodies.” Tijerina offers the following simple tips to help cope with stress:
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension offers programming to fit your community’s needs. For more information, visit your local health department, or ask for more information on Stress classes/programming from your local County Extension office.
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AuthorFABLOW AgriLife is part of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s (FCH) unit that “helps Texans better their lives through science-based educational programs designed to improve the overall health and wellness of individuals, families, and communities.” Archives
August 2021
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