Effects of Stress on the Body (Essay Sample)

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Effects of Stress on the Body
The mind and the body are linked making psychological health as important as the physical health. Stress is a part of normal daily living and one of the largest problems affecting the physical and mental health of a person. Life changes such as marriage, sickness, and work responsibilities place considerable demands on the body requiring it to adapt accordingly (APUS). Such demands cause stress on the individuals affecting their functioning either positively or negatively depending on how they handle it. Stress has both negative and positive effects on the body, but the negatives outweigh the positives and can contribute to decreased health and well-being if not well managed. This paper discusses the cause and effects of stress on the body.
Stress refers to the physical and mental reactions of the body to the demands placed on it by the external environment (APUS). Stress is a part of daily living depending on someone’s perception of a situation. Different people experience stress in various ways and for different reasons. However, contrary to popular belief, stress is not always bad. Some stress known as eustress is good and arises in situations in motivating situations to stimulate people to act and function optimally (Seaward 9). For instance, stress caused by an examination causes students to study to perform well. However, at times excess pressure known as distress is overwhelming and prevents the accomplishment of tasks (Seaward 9). It occurs when a person’s ability to cope with the demands placed on him/her crumbles leading to burnout that prevents task completion.
Stress occurs as a result of pressures beyond one’s control. A common cause of stress is pressure to succeed in life leading to the setting of unrealistically high expectations (APUS). For example, students’ desires to pass their exams may increase their academic demands which if not well managed can cause stress. Scrambling to get the best jobs can also place significant stress on a person. Other common stressors are life altering and traumatic changes that are beyond the control of an individual (Green 17). The inability to cope with situations such as the death of a loved one, losing a job, diseases, divorce, accidents and natural calamities can lead to stress. Social demands such as being a parent or caregiver can also contribute to stress. Identifying these stressors is the first step for a person to managing stress efficiently and minimizing adverse its reactions.
People respond differently to various stress levels. Positive stress motivates people to work towards the achievement of a particular task. Distress stimulates feelings such as anxiety, fear, irritability, and depression (Seaward 214). People change their behavior in response to stress. Some people may cry, become aggressive, indulge in smoking, alcohol, and drug abuse, and refuse to eat or live in isolation. Others become mentally ill, disorganized, confused and disoriented (APUS). Additionally, people with reduced stress coping mechanisms may develop suicidal thoughts and try to take their life to escape from the stressful event (Seaward 4). Additionally, stressed people may have a poor memory, low self-esteem, reduced attention span and lack motivation to work. These responses are dependent on an individual's ability to manage the stress.
The body reacts to stress through the "fight or flight" response to escape danger (Seaward 7). Both fight or flight responses require the same physical reactions. The body releases the adrenaline and cortisol hormones that function to increase the heart and breathing rates, increase blood pressure and glucose in the blood in preparation for physical activity. It leads to high blood pressure, muscle tension, and heart problems such as palpitations and abnormal heart rhythms (Seaward 8). Stress causes changes in breathing leading to hyperventilation and breathlessness. It also affects the blood flow to the skin leading to sweating and clammy hands. Stress affects the brain leading to altered sleep patterns, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue (APUS). Additionally, the process of digestion is slowed leading to reduced absorption of nutrients leading to weight loss and low immunity.
There are various ways to ease stress. Breathing exercises help one to relax and eliminate unnecessary tension during a stressful event (Seaward 361). Sharing the stressing event with other people may relieve the stress and enable one to cope with the demands. Socialization and expressing oneself reduces loneliness that propagates the stress (APUS). Some people also cry or sleep to ease stress. Physical exercise has been shown to help someone to refocus and rejuvenate during a stress moments. Learning t...