What are the signs of excessive stress?

Our current understanding of stress was first formulated in the 1930's by the famous Hungarian endocrinologist, Hans Selye. He was the first to show a common biological response to a wide range of sensory or psychological experiences. These are called stressors. His research on stress and our responses to it are the foundation for many types of stress management strategies. Dr. Selye found that stress can affect us in many ways. Signs and symptoms of excessive stress can show in our health, our thoughts, our feelings, and our behavior. Excessive and chronic stress can create disease and discomfort physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and socially.

Usually, the effects of excessive stress appear in mild and acute forms, like a cold or flu virus; upsetting dreams; occasional depressed, irritable, or anxious mood; or occasional insomnia. However, if stress continues over time without appropriate relief or other healthy interventions, it will cause more problems in your body because of the harsh effects of the stress response hormones that are trapped inside. Each person has their own unique response to various stressors, and it is very important for you to be aware of what they are and effective ways to help you reduce their negative effect.

Signs of excessive stress can show themselves emotionally and mentally. Most of the brain centers involved with your stress response are in the center of your brain in your limbic system. This is the system that is called the mammalian brain, and it is the feeling and instinctual part of the brain. We share many characteristics of our feeling and social experiences with mammals, particularly with chimpanzees and wolves. Often, excessive stress shows itself in our moods and our relationships first.

More frequent "hot" stress responses can result in an inability to concentrate, obsessive thinking, chronic tension and anxiety, chronic depression or boredom, broken relationships, and aggressive outbursts. Our behavior can be reflective of our stress levels when we act impulsively, increase consumption of food, tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs; are easily startled, grind our teeth, or cry inappropriately.

Physically, we can respond to excessive stress by sweating, increased heart rate, increased breathing, headaches, backaches, tight muscles, changes in appetite, or even nausea. Over time, chronic excessive stress has shown to be linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, cancers, and increased incidents of cold or flu virus infections. The major causes of death in the United States are lifestyle related, and be reduced with the help of stress management.

The key in stress management is to manage the stress early, before you cause physical damage to yourself, like getting an ulcer or a cancer tumor. That is why we all need to practice a daily stress management plan that addresses the variety of stressors in our life before hurt our health. By relieving the harsh effects of our stress hormones, we can greatly improve our level of health. Stress management is also a highly effective tool to help you quit smoking. Be sure to include at least four or more stress management strategies in your quitting kit!