Welcome to this series on ‘Stress and its Impact on Our Well being’. In this series of articles we will try to understand stress from basic and its impact on our overall well being.
So to begin with, what is Stress?
Stress triggers the body’s “fight or flight” response, releasing hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones increase heart rate, elevate blood pressure, and boost energy levels momentarily to help deal with a perceived threat or challenge.
Now this is body’s defense mechanism in response to a stressful environment. But chronic stress can lead to various health issues due to prolonged exposure to these hormones. Cortisol (Chemical formula C21H30O5) is good to combat stress momentarily but secretion of this hormone over a longer period (say weeks or months) of time causes serious harm to our organs.
Know how to test your Cortisol levels .
The brain’s hypothalamus signals the adrenal glands to release cortisol, which in turn affects various bodily functions, impacting mood, immune system, digestion, and more. Adrenal glands are present above our kidneys.
Long Term Effects of Cortisol
If you are someone who is exposed to stress regularly, it will affect your body in following ways:
i) Lowers Immunity : In the short term, cortisol can suppress non-essential functions, like the immune system, to prioritize immediate survival needs. This is helpful during acute stress. However, when cortisol levels remain consistently high, it can weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections and illnesses.
ii) Inflammation Control: Cortisol acts as a natural anti-inflammatory agent, reducing inflammation in the body. This is beneficial in acute situations but can become problematic if cortisol remains elevated, potentially leading to chronic inflammation.
iii) Blood Pressure: Elevated cortisol levels can contribute to increased blood pressure, which, if chronic, may lead to cardiovascular issues.
iv) Weight Gain: Prolonged stress and high cortisol levels can also contribute to weight gain, particularly around the abdomen. This happens as cortisol can increase appetite and lead to the storage of fat, especially visceral fat, which surrounds organs.
v) Mental Health Impact: Chronic stress and consistently high cortisol levels may also affect mental health. It can lead to anxiety, depression, mood swings, and sleep disturbances as cortisol disrupts the normal sleep-wake cycle.
What Causes Stress in Humans?
Essentially, anything that creates a sense of pressure or imbalance in one’s life can contribute to stress.
Stress can stem from various sources, including:
1. Workplace Pressure: According to GOQii FItness report, 26 per cent of Indians are stressed due to their current work situation. High demands, long hours, difficult relationships with colleagues or bosses, and fear of job insecurity contribute significantly to stress.
2. Life Events: Major life changes such as moving, divorce, loss of a loved one, or financial difficulties can trigger stress.
3. Health Concerns: Illness, chronic health conditions, or caring for a sick family member can create stress due to the uncertainty and emotional toll.
4. Relationships: ITC Fiama’s survey report reveals a very disturbing data on the rise of stressful relationships in India. Around 87% of India’s young population finds relationship as a major source of stress.
Incompatibility, Conflicts, breakups, or troubled relationships with family, friends, or romantic partners are usually the significant stressors in today’s relationships.
5. Financial Problems: Debt, inability to meet financial obligations, or the constant struggle to make ends meet can lead to chronic stress. Click to learn about Financial Stress Management
6. Future Uncertainty : Feeling uncertain about the future or overwhelmed by the sheer volume of responsibilities can also be major sources of stress.
7. Trauma: Past traumatic experiences, such as abuse or a significant accident, can result in ongoing stress and mental health issues.
8. Lifestyle Choices: Poor lifestyle habits like lack of sleep, unhealthy eating, substance abuse, or over-reliance on caffeine or other stimulants can exacerbate stress.
In the upcoming articles, I will discuss various aspects related to stress and ways to manage stress from a scientific point of view.
Till then, take care!