Effects of Stress

Dr. Purushothaman
January 17, 2014

Stress could certainly improve productivity when they come in small doses, according to some health experts at the University of Maryland Medical Center. However, when stress gets out of hand, it could worsen your anxiety and may turn into a full-blown anxiety disorder. This could be a factor for physical ailments, which adds even more stress. Taking a few stress-reducing measures could help you in stepping away from the vicious cycle of stress-related anxiety. Mental health experts are suggesting that individuals who are sharing facts or concerns regarding the current situation they're in with supportive friends, family members, or any other social support groups are able to take better control over stressful situations, thus reducing its effects.
Health experts also believe that people without such support system could experience greater incidence of illness, such as heart diseases or anxiety disorders due to uncontrollable stress. Social support involves the noticeable encouragement from well-treasured friends and education or information given by health experts with regard to the factors affecting your stress and anxiety. For instance, if large debt keeps you up at night, pursuing a certain financial planning program could provide you with tools that would help you in reducing your debt or help you start saving up. Psychotherapists, psychologists, religious leaders, and your family doctor could also give some counseling and advice about ways that could help you in managing your stress and anxiety. However, chronic anxiety could call for medication. Many heath care professionals believe that unhealthy eating habits, particularly those that give you low vitamin B12 levels, could actually bring about anxiety.
These health experts are suggesting a nutrition program loaded with lean meat, fish, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables to manage anxiety and stress. A balanced diet also includes consumption of the right amount of food at the right times. Ditch the habit of binge eating in relieving anxiety, and do not skip meals just so you could have time for a stress-inducing project. It is also wise to engage in physical activity to decrease anxiety and relieve stress. Even just 20 minutes of aerobic exercise thrice a week, like brisk walking, could have positive effects on both mental and physical health.
Some health experts associate stress with thoughts or situations that stir up anxiety or frustration. Educating yourself about the probable causes of your stress and anxiety could help you in responding to stress more efficiently. It also wouldn't hurt if you think positive about your ability to take control over these problems. For example, if apprehensions regarding the details of an approaching presentation stress you out, then take control through scheduling spare time to rehearse or prepare your speech. Health experts also believe that it's best if you perform some relaxation techniques. These include certain activities like mediation or yoga, or you could take time to pursue your hobbies. All of these will ultimately give relief to your stress.

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