Modern life can be stressful. There are so many concerns that you have
to worry about like work, family, relations, and other activities.
Sometimes you have to juggle or walk on a tightrope of schedules,
deadlines, meetings, and extracurricular activities.
Usually, when you are stressed, your heart speeds up and your head
pounds. What actually happens is that your pituitary gland releases a
certain hormone, which in turn triggers your adrenal glands to release
stress hormones (i.e., cortisol and adrenaline) into your bloodstream. As a
result, several of your body’s systems are upset.
You may likely feel a stomachache coming or experience diarrhea when
you’re stressed out. You also tend to feel hunger pangs resulting to
weight gain. Stress also makes you susceptible to sickness like colds and
other infections in addition to skin problems, sleep disorders, anxiety,
depression, and loss of sex drive.
Stress also likely speeds up aging. According to a study done by the
doctors in University of California at San Francisco, chronically
stressed women displayed chromosomal changes characteristic of increased
aging. They found out that the telomeres (found at the ends of the
chromosomes) of these women tend to be shorter than the less-stressed women.
Telomeres shorten as we age; thereby the length of the telomeres is an
indication of aging. When telomeres cannot be possibly any shorter, they
die out which is evident in skin wrinkles, organ failure, etc.
That’s why you need to lower the level of stress in your life. You can
do that by taking care of your body and leading a healthy lifestyle.
Have a balanced diet, adequate rest, and regular exercise. Relax and
learn to enjoy your life. Take up a hobby that will help you take your mind
off things like reading, knitting, collecting stamps, playing sports,
or gardening. Join a club, support group or organization where you can
meet other people with the same interests. Try joining the community
play, take up dancing classes and acting workshops, help in local
charities or fund raisers. Who knows you might even discover your hidden
talents?
Learn deep-breathing exercises and practice meditation or Yoga. Visit
the gym regularly or join a fitness group that will help you stay fit
and healthy. Another option is to have massages and rub downs. This will
help loosen up your muscles and calm your nerves.
At times, you just have to be positive about things and be less
negative or pessimistic. Try to smile at people you meet on the streets, watch
a movie or a play, have a new hairdo, change your wardrobe, and have
the time to smell the roses.
Another good practice is having your regular medical check-ups to
ensure your good health every time. Sometimes, when your level of stress is
remarkably high, you need to get help. Seek out the support of friends
and family, change jobs, re-prioritize your life, or consult with a
psychologist, psychiatrist, or social worker.
Life can really be full of challenges. Learn how to cope up and
remember to always look at the bright side of life. If you feel that stress is
getting the better of you, don’t hesitate to seek help. A stress-free
life can definitely add up to your years.
